Question About the Gens - Looking to Buy

[holptj]

Hey guys I'm not a new member (joined in 2003), but I haven't been on for a few years. My 96 EB was totaled when it was rear-ended back in 06. I loved that truck, but never got around to getting a newer X.

Well, I'm in the market for a used X now and need some advice. I'm posting here because I'm looking at an 04 and an 07 and have general questions that apply across generations.

My 95 EB had the 4.0 ohv and I was not real bothered by lack of power. I am pretty easy on vehicles and whatever I buy will see less than 5k miles per year (weekends and two long trips per year). I am most concerned with continued reliability, and low maintenance/repair costs.

Question 1: what are opinions/preferences for the 4.0 vs. 4.6?

Question 2: were the issues with the 4.0 timing chains worked out by 03/04?

Question 3: (I think) I know that the 4.6 had issues with timing chain guides (true with my wife's Grand Marquis, anyway), was this worked out by 04?

Question 4: what are the issues (if any) with the two auto transmissions? Any preferences for one over the other?

Question 4: I'm looking at an 04 EB 4.6 with 102k and an 07 EB 4.6 with 90k. Obviously the older models are less expensive, but I worry about repairs and on-going maintenance. What are thoughts on the two and if one would be more reliable than the other?

In terms of the 06 and newer Xes, I see a lot more of the 4.0s on the market. Any reason to shy away from them?

TIA for any and all thoughts.

lol - I just looked over and saw my profile. My EB was a 96 and I joined in 2002. I must be getting old!

 

[94Eddie]

I am going to make this short. I suggest that you go with a fourth gen Explorer with the V-8 as it comes with the six speed transmission. The 4.6L engine is very durable and the six speed transmission seems to be more durable than the five speed trannies. There also seems to be fewer problems overall with the fourth gens as compared to the previous one.

 

[holptj]

I certainly appreciate parsimony, but can you tell me a few of the downsides to the 4.0/5 speed? I have been looking within a 100 mile radius of SW GA (autotrader and cars.com) and find no 4th gens with the 4.6. Will I get burnt big time with the 4.0 and a 5 speed?

 

[94Eddie]

I don't think you will necessarily get burned with the 4.0L SOHC engine. The main issue with them seems to be the timing chain guides going out and the repair cost is expensive due to the labor time it takes to replace them. Others here can probably give you better information of the 4.0L SOHC engines than I can. The 5-speed transmissions have several design issues that can lead to a rebuild. Maybe Ford addressed some of the problems with the fourth gen vehicles that are prevalent in the third gen models.

I just know that if I were going to get a fourth gen it would have to be the 4.6L/6-speed combo. Even if I had to pay more for it and drive further to find it. When I bought my 2002 last summer I looked hard for the 4.6L models but knew I was also going to play Russian Roulette with the 5-speed tranny. Hopefully I got a truck with low enough miles (49k) that I can keep from having to do a rebuild by making frequent fluid and filter changes.

One thing you might want to consider is looking at the Mountaineers. They seem to have a higher number of V-8 models than the Explorers and were more loaded up with options. They are the same vehicle and the only thing I noticed of significant difference for the third gen models was the Mountaineers all lacked the option of four wheel drive low. Other than that, the differences were just cosmetic.

 

[Jason c]

When I was in the market for a V8, I had read a lot about the 4.6 blowing spark plugs out. The heads are very thin where the spark plugs thread in and it wasn't just limited to the explorers. I decided to go with an older 2nd gen with the 5.0 instead.

 

[holptj]

Thanks for all of the thoughts.

Jason c I'll browse the ads and see what the condition/prices are like for the 5.0s.

 

[1Aauto]

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