Riding down the freeway

[Josh P]

I wouldn't worry about going the speed limit, when I'm the slowest thing on the road, I keep right. If someone wants to ride my ass when they could easily pass on a multi lane freeway, I will slow down.
The Jeep WJ gas tank issue isn't nearly as bad as the pinto, it takes a serious crash to collapse the frame enough for the filler tube to rupture open. If you have a trailer hitch, it's a non issue.

 

[CDW6212R]

The handling of these trucks isn't as good as any car, the center of gravity and rear suspension design dictate a lot of that.

But the tire sizes, the air pressure, and the few suspension parts which improve handling are all critical. Definitely keep more air in the tires than the old tire recommendations. Tires change in design over many years, old 32psi tires don't exist anymore, so forget any old tire guys suggestions. Each tire may perform differently than other tires for any given air pressure, it's on the owner to learn what the best pressures are for the tires they put on the vehicle. If you keep buying tires that are identical to the prior set, and they wore well, then the same pressures will likely be best again.

I've tried many tires on my Explorers, none have worked best with less than 34psi in any of them. The front is much heavier than the back, typical for any V8 Ford. So I have more in the front tires than the rears, usually 3psi or so more. I typically start with 37psi in front and 34psi in the rear for new new tires. Then I monitor the wear, which takes weeks, 1000-2000+ miles, to see any odd wear pattern. If the edges wear more than the center noticeably, then the air pressure is too low. If the centers wear too fast, then the air pressure is too high. If you watch them carefully, you can figure out what the best pressures are for any tires, just stay under the cold psi MAX rating on the tires. Most tires today are 44psi MAX, at the least, some now are 51psi or something else.

There is no single air pressure which is best for all vehicles, or all tires, or all Fords, or all of any one tire size; it varies always.

Upgrading the anti-sway bar bushings is a great way to improve handling and stability. Replacing them with urethane bushings will help a lot, without much harshness. The rear bar is way too small on all of the early Explorers, the obsolete EE bar was 1.125" in size, most aftermarket are barely 1", and stock was less, maybe 3/4" at most.

 

[joney]

Get yourself a new Explorer Sport with the ecoboost engine. It will take you as fast as you want to go and handles very well in the corners. Or you can go for the 400 Hp model. Enjoy!

Old school gal here! Have seen the reviews, people zooming around with these! Looks like a lot of fun. Haven't had anything near 400 HP, but no place close by to open it up! (days of street racing long past, LOL)
Although I'd probably outlive the Ecoboost, don't want any vehicle that complex! Even the 99 T-Bird I had nickel and dimed me with all the 'luxury' items going bad. Was running great but I dumped it, no patience on my part. All the modern (since 2010) vehicles sound great for those who lease or get a new one every few years however!

 

[John V Cook]

Curious question: you who drive the 2nd gen stock Explorers (first gen too). Do you do the 75+ mph to keep up with traffic on the interstates or freeways, or do you go slower/pick a 2 lane hwy. Have to admit doing those tight sweeping turns at speed makes me a touch nervous, but don't want to be "that gal" who slows up traffic (yeah, even the right lane on I-94 goes pretty fast). Could take a 2-lane route and save gas also, will add more than a little time to the trip. Considering every other time I've driven at speed was in a sedan. What's your preference?

If my tires are properly inflated I drive the speed limit 60-70 mph.

 

[joney]

The handling of these trucks isn't as good as any car, the center of gravity and rear suspension design dictate a lot of that.

But the tire sizes, the air pressure, and the few suspension parts which improve handling are all critical. Definitely keep more air in the tires than the old tire recommendations. Tires change in design over many years, old 32psi tires don't exist anymore, so forget any old tire guys suggestions. Each tire may perform differently than other tires for any given air pressure, it's on the owner to learn what the best pressures are for the tires they put on the vehicle. If you keep buying tires that are identical to the prior set, and they wore well, then the same pressures will likely be best again.

I've tried many tires on my Explorers, none have worked best with less than 34psi in any of them. The front is much heavier than the back, typical for any V8 Ford. So I have more in the front tires than the rears, usually 3psi or so more. I typically start with 37psi in front and 34psi in the rear for new new tires. Then I monitor the wear, which takes weeks, 1000-2000+ miles, to see any odd wear pattern. If the edges wear more than the center noticeably, then the air pressure is too low. If the centers wear too fast, then the air pressure is too high. If you watch them carefully, you can figure out what the best pressures are for any tires, just stay under the cold psi MAX rating on the tires. Most tires today are 44psi MAX, at the least, some now are 51psi or something else.

There is no single air pressure which is best for all vehicles, or all tires, or all Fords, or all of any one tire size; it varies always.

Upgrading the anti-sway bar bushings is a great way to improve handling and stability. Replacing them with urethane bushings will help a lot, without much harshness. The rear bar is way too small on all of the early Explorers, the obsolete EE bar was 1.125" in size, most aftermarket are barely 1", and stock was less, maybe 3/4" at most.

Glad I got the sway bar bushings (control arms and their ball joints, lower?) last year. Was wandering sideways in a 20 mph+ wind!
Got good advice on that, right here on the forum! Did your 98 Limited have the EE sway bar? I got the "Precision" brand bushings put in, wind not an issue now. Am guessing the aerodynamics of the 2nd gen are similar to a brick. Speed rating on the tires is 105 S - 112 MPH. Haven't come up with a scenario I'd go that fast, another thread states the Explorers are speed governed down to 100 mph. Going to try 34 psi, may be helpful with pot hole driving around here?

 

[Josh P]

I'm old school too. Unrelated to anything in this post, Joney have you been to Milwaukee burger company?

 

[joney]

I'm old school too. Unrelated to anything in this post, Joney have you been to Milwaukee burger company?

Actually no! Impressive menu, though! I'm sure I could find a nice dark beer there also! And also find a nice Greek restaurant, which is rare up here. Not actually going into Milwaukee though. Don't know if it's improved in the last decade however.

 

[GP Argie]

What a question...

These are 20+yold - two ton-high center of mass - body on frame TRUCKS not CARS, no matter it seems or "feels" like a modern SUV.
As obvious as it may seems risky to drive a semi to 100 mph, you should take care of whnat will happen if a deere or something else crosses in front and you have to make a harsh manouver.

Here in Argentina (big country, long routes, not so much traffic) people loves to press the gas pedal to +100mph or more, no matter you have a Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux (a tougher Tacoma like) or a VW Amarok.
The three two ton pickup trucks are crafted locally, shares same kind of acceptable good quality, they are solid, reliable, but the First Gen VW Amarok you'll find here has a little less clearance, a much wider truck so a much better handling at high speeds than the others. That was the key of their local sales success...

Every machine has it limits, mine with 31" BF Goodrich A/T, I assume is close to 130 km/h max (around 80 mph) in a good asfalt flat route/highway and 60-70 km/h max (40-50 mph) in unpaved roads.
To get at higher speeds with these vehicles (same with other trucks) is like calling the devil...

 

[Mbrooks420]

What a question...

These are 20+yold - two ton-high center of mass - body on frame TRUCKS not CARS, no matter it seems or "feels" like a modern SUV.
As obvious as it may seems risky to drive a semi to 100 mph, you should take care of whnat will happen if a deere or something else crosses in front and you have to make a harsh manouver.

Here in Argentina (big country, long routes, not so much traffic) people loves to press the gas pedal to +100mph or more, no matter you have a Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux (a tougher Tacoma like) or a VW Amarok.
The three two ton pickup trucks are crafted locally, shares same kind of acceptable good quality, they are solid, reliable, but the First Gen VW Amarok you'll find here has a little less clearance, a much wider truck so a much better handling at high speeds than the others. That was the key of their local sales success...

Every machine has it limits, mine with 31" BF Goodrich A/T, I assume is close to 130 km/h max (around 80 mph) in a good asfalt flat route/highway and 60-70 km/h max (40-50 mph) in unpaved roads.
To get at higher speeds with these vehicles (same with other trucks) is like calling the devil...

If a deer runs out you DON’T do any harsh maneuvers. This goes for any vehicle. You hit the deer, and file a claim.

 

[J5hort]

I got 32s on steel rims, so my 95 Sport find most of its use in the yard and on secondary roads as it is mostly a work truck. When on the highway I tend to do the speed limit or just above, an usually stay in the middle or right lane if there are no cars attempting to on ramp. I am lifted with torsion twist and shackles (and have original leaf springs!) so I tend to keep the speeds down. Still handles pretty well for a 27 year old truck.

 

[GP Argie]

If a deer runs out you DON’T do any harsh maneuvers. This goes for any vehicle. You hit the deer, and file a claim.

Mmm... May be sometimes... but sorry I don´t agree as a "fit for all cases" rule of thumb ...

I´m a city man native that goes outdoor sometimes, but the ones who lives in the country side flat "pampas" hardly recommends to hit/run over to everything that seems like a small cow or smaller animal (deers, sheeps, goats, dogs)... but to make a RUSH turn aside if you are about to hit a horse... as for sure you will get at least half a ton of meat and bones through the windshield to your cabin...

I have to find it, I have the photo of a friend of mine who had a truck accident years ago in a long strait route at the Patagonia flats (you may have a 300 km straight route with no turns)... They decided to continue driving by night (bad decission) and in the middle of nowhere a horse appeared in front of them ... Luckily the horse turned and run away from them just moments before being hit to its legs at +120 kmph, so it butt-entered through the windshield in the middle of him and his companion ending the travel in the back seat (the airbags opened and somehow "funneled" the horse in between)... Miracously both of them just got some scratches and head hits but both got alive and kicking (and trembling to ****)...

The lessons they learned...

1) Your live matters the most (or more than getting early at your destination)

2) Dont´t drive by night no matter the best driver you´re...

3) Slow down to an speed you can assure you control your kind of vehicule in any sudden case of a flat tire, a deer, cow, horse, pedestrian crossing, etc...

Hope this clarifies my point
Kind rgrds
GP

 

[Turdle]

If a deer runs out you DON’T do any harsh maneuvers. This goes for any vehicle. You hit the deer, and file a claim.

That is exactly what a woman ( driving home with just purchased car) did north of town here, flipped deer into oncoming caravan, deer went inside van and killed 3 occupants.

 

[Turdle]

Get yourself a new Explorer Sport with the ecoboost engine. It will take you as fast as you want to go and handles very well in the corners. Or you can go for the 400 Hp model. Enjoy!

We like our cars lien free thanks.

Why create more problems for ourselves.

 

[Mbrooks420]

That is exactly what a woman ( driving home with just purchased car) did north of town here, flipped deer into oncoming caravan, deer went inside van and killed 3 occupants.

Far more often you swerve and wreck and potentially have a serious accident Vs potentially totally a piece of machinery that should be insured.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Mmm... May be sometimes... but sorry I don´t agree as a "fit for all cases" rule of thumb ...

I´m a city man native that goes outdoor sometimes, but the ones who lives in the country side flat "pampas" hardly recommends to hit/run over to everything that seems like a small cow or smaller animal (deers, sheeps, goats, dogs)... but to make a RUSH turn aside if you are about to hit a horse... as for sure you will get at least half a ton of meat and bones through the windshield to your cabin...

I have to find it, I have the photo of a friend of mine who had a truck accident years ago in a long strait route at the Patagonia flats (you may have a 300 km straight route with no turns)... They decided to continue driving by night (bad decission) and in the middle of nowhere a horse appeared in front of them ... Luckily the horse turned and run away from them just moments before being hit to its legs at +120 kmph, so it butt-entered through the windshield in the middle of him and his companion ending the travel in the back seat (the airbags opened and somehow "funneled" the horse in between)... Miracously both of them just got some scratches and head hits but both got alive and kicking (and trembling to ****)...

The lessons they learned...

1) Your live matters the most (or more than getting early at your destination)

2) Dont´t drive by night no matter the best driver you´re...

3) Slow down to an speed you can assure you control your kind of vehicule in any sudden case of a flat tire, a deer, cow, horse, pedestrian crossing, etc...

Hope this clarifies my point
Kind rgrds
GP

I don’t see where I recommended hitting everything. Pretty sure I specifically said deer.

Not recommending to drive at night is ridiculous. Most people don’t have the luxury of only driving during daylight.

 

[joney]

If a deer runs out you DON’T do any harsh maneuvers. This goes for any vehicle. You hit the deer, and file a claim.

Yep, and hope not to run OVER it. I would slow down as much as possible safely, Lots of deer around here, not so much on the interstate. They're on their own !

 

[joney]

Mmm... May be sometimes... but sorry I don´t agree as a "fit for all cases" rule of thumb ...

I´m a city man native that goes outdoor sometimes, but the ones who lives in the country side flat "pampas" hardly recommends to hit/run over to everything that seems like a small cow or smaller animal (deers, sheeps, goats, dogs)... but to make a RUSH turn aside if you are about to hit a horse... as for sure you will get at least half a ton of meat and bones through the windshield to your cabin...

I have to find it, I have the photo of a friend of mine who had a truck accident years ago in a long strait route at the Patagonia flats (you may have a 300 km straight route with no turns)... They decided to continue driving by night (bad decission) and in the middle of nowhere a horse appeared in front of them ... Luckily the horse turned and run away from them just moments before being hit to its legs at +120 kmph, so it butt-entered through the windshield in the middle of him and his companion ending the travel in the back seat (the airbags opened and somehow "funneled" the horse in between)... Miracously both of them just got some scratches and head hits but both got alive and kicking (and trembling to ****)...

The lessons they learned...

1) Your live matters the most (or more than getting early at your destination)

2) Dont´t drive by night no matter the best driver you´re...

3) Slow down to an speed you can assure you control your kind of vehicule in any sudden case of a flat tire, a deer, cow, horse, pedestrian crossing, etc...

Hope this clarifies my point
Kind rgrds
GP

Wow, horses, sheep on the road, not a problem on the big highways. Country 2-lanes very well might have them here. But, if the countryside where you are is flat, perhaps you can see them a long way off? As for driving at night, I avoid it as both my eyes and headlight lenses could be better! Due to other often distracted drivers, defensive driving is a MUST. Lots of distance between you and the cars ahead.

 

[GP Argie]

Wow, horses, sheep on the road, not a problem on the big highways. Country 2-lanes very well might have them here. But, if the countryside where you are is flat, perhaps you can see them a long way off? As for driving at night, I avoid it as both my eyes and headlight lenses could be better! Due to other often distracted drivers, defensive driving is a MUST. Lots of distance between you and the cars ahead.

Night landscape with no moon + distraction (they were chatting) + sleepy state + lesser reaction time if you hit hard the gas pedal...

As my friend told the tale (luckylly) they were devouring the road at 150 km/h (100 mph)... when they saw the horse in front they got nill time to react and not options but to push the brake hard...

They had to write off the truck as it got totalled by the insurance...

 

[C420sailor]

So…the only time I’ve ever driven my Explorer (was my SOHC) fast was responding to a few house fires w/ occupants trapped, all lit up.

I can tell you that it isn’t governed at 100mph. It’s been a long time, but I once hit what looked like 112 or so on a very long straight. The speedo reads 2ish high at normal speeds, so that isn’t more than 110 or so.

With all the susp components in good shape, she actually handles pretty damn well in such a scenario, but I tend to be careful in corners. Physics is physics, and SUVs have higher CGs.

Where you are going to get roasted is braking. The last fire I hauled ass to, I was following a county cop and we were MOVING. Lots of cornering, aggressive accel/decel. The brake fade was horrific. It was a real eye opener.

These probably weren’t my smartest moments, but when you have people hanging out of windows…you do what you have to do

 

[CDW6212R]

Glad I got the sway bar bushings (control arms and their ball joints, lower?) last year. Was wandering sideways in a 20 mph+ wind!
Got good advice on that, right here on the forum! Did your 98 Limited have the EE sway bar? I got the "Precision" brand bushings put in, wind not an issue now. Am guessing the aerodynamics of the 2nd gen are similar to a brick. Speed rating on the tires is 105 S - 112 MPH. Haven't come up with a scenario I'd go that fast, another thread states the Explorers are speed governed down to 100 mph. Going to try 34 psi, may be helpful with pot hole driving around here?

I was fortunate to be an early buyer of the EE bar, I bought the entire EE X-Spec kit for my 98 Mountaineer. It lowered it 2 3/8" in the rear, and the shocks and rear sway bar helped a bunch. I later bought just the rear bar for my 99 Limited, here's what it looks like from above without the body;