reccomendations?

[svtdriver627]

i'm looking at getting an explorer right now, 02+ and i was just wondering if there is anything that i need to look out for. which is better 4.6 vs. 4.0? common problems, if any. any advice will be greatly appreciated as i am going to be driving this for the next few years and i need to make sure that i check everything so i'm not worried about getting screwed over. Thanks in advance.

~Alex

 

[Curtis]

I think the consensus will be to not turn down a 4.6. The gas milage is not that different between that and the 4.0. I love my 4.6...

Stay away from the 02's. Like any vehicle the first production year has problems worked out in later years.. so look for an 03 or newer.

common problems are wheel bearings, broken coil springs, rear end noises, transfer case noises, heater/AC blend door problems,

and in the 02's specifically the 4x4module

But good luck... I think you'll like a 3rd gen explorer. 3rd row seat is a nice option too if you find one.

 

[svtdriver627]

well with what my budget allows 02 is about the only option i have, because i'd like to get the 02 body style, but any newer ones in my price range have 110k+ miles.

~Alex

 

[Curtis]

well with what my budget allows 02 is about the only option i have, because i'd like to get the 02 body style, but any newer ones in my price range have 110k+ miles.

~Alex

I totally understand... on the brighter side, my dad has had good luck with his 02, just bearings and 4x4 control module.

 

[svtdriver627]

I totally understand... on the brighter side, my dad has had good luck with his 02, just bearings and 4x4 control module.

is the module something that will constantly fail, or will be fixed after one replacement?

i am finding some 03's but i really have to sell my truck before i can start looking at them.

Is the 4x4 on these working as awd, or selectable.

~Alex

 

[Curtis]

once the module is replaced once that should be it.

Unless your vehicle states AWD (power to all 4 corners all the time), its automatic 4x4. Meaning that you are in 2wd until the rear wheels slip and then power is diverted to the front wheels automatically. you can press the 4x4high button to have full time 4wd or 4x4 low too.

 

[svtdriver627]

ah ok, so it's not a selectable system then. i'm getting kinda pumped about getting a new ride, and i just really want to make sure i get the best outcome.

Are there any things that i can look for when checking out a potential purchase, or something to keep an eye out for?

~Alex

 

[Curtis]

ah ok, so it's not a selectable system then. i'm getting kinda pumped about getting a new ride, and i just really want to make sure i get the best outcome.

Are there any things that i can look for when checking out a potential purchase, or something to keep an eye out for?

~Alex

exactly, you can select between automatic 4x4 or full time 4x4.

There is a modification out there we just disovered that I plan to do to mine. Called the Brown Wire Mod or BWM. There is a brown wire you can intercept with a switch, which will turn off the automatic part of the 4x4 giving you pure and simple 2wd. Then turn it back on when you need it.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

Personally, if you're not going to take it off-pavement much or at all, a 4.6/AWD combo would be an excellent choice. The AWD system seems pretty fool-proof, and requires no user input of any kind.

A true 4WD system always makes me feel that the vehicle is more "masculine" than the "girly" AWD, but both accomplish the same thing in the environment I'll be using mine in.

 

[svtdriver627]

this just needs to be reliable day to day transportation, it may see something like a nice set of wheel, stereo, etc. but i don't want to do anything crazy with it, enough to make it unique with minimal parts. most off-roading it will see will maybe be dirt roads, unless i have a nice set of wheels.

Just want to make sure i make the right choice.

keep any advice coming that you guys have, and i like the idea of intercepting that switch so i can select my 2wd to 4wd

~Alex