Opinions wanted.

[Aussie-Explorer]

Gday from Australia,

A lot has happened with me over the past year, and it has resulted in me selling my last Explorer

So I've pondered getting another, so here's my question...

In terms of off-road performance (nothing serious, just some nasty ditch-filled dirt backroads or some snow) is a 2002-2005 Explorer still capable? Or is the earlier 98-01 model better suited to this?
The reason is I want the V8, and we Aussies didnt get the V8 on the earlier model. So am I better off going through the frustration of a V8 conversion, or simply just getting the newer model?

Hope you guys can help out

 

[Rhett]

In terms of off-road performance (nothing serious, just some nasty ditch-filled dirt backroads or some snow) is a 2002-2005 Explorer still capable?

In my opinion if that's all you're doing, a 02-05 would be fine. Put a good set of tires on it.

 

[Tif0ez]

depends on what is available and legal in your area, we only do light trail riding and I've fully solid axle swapped with an '87 grand waggy Dana 44..
it's on an '01 sport Trac, but same concept..

https://scontent.***c1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47296367_1162427980582578_6143092745671016448_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent.***c1-2.fna&oh=047330c0862cd146109e089cf4f80522&oe=5CAB8B1C
https://scontent.***c1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/20643225_863066927185353_7636728044452009980_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoibCJ9&oh=3ced1ffb85d030d6bf085ebac1de30ea&oe=5A521962

 

[Aussie-Explorer]

Thanks guys.

Well I took the plunge & bought me a '04 XLT with the 4.6

Can't wait to get out there.

 

[Tif0ez]

great buy!
can't wait to see what you do to her!!