Shopping for old Explorer- need advice!

[Paraglider]

Greetings All,

I am a dazed and confused owner of three vehicles who is trying to simplify my life. I have a big '93 Ford F250 diesel X-cab 4x4 LWB Truck purchased last year, an old 1986 Isuzu Trooper that has been my 'baby' for 12 years now, and a little Ford Aspire just because it drives like a golf cart and gets about 900 mpg.

My Trooper is getting old, and tired, with 145K on the odo and getting about ready for a new engine and clutch, or, well, the bone yard.

I like Troopers, but mine in particular is WOEFULLY underpowered (2.3 liter 4 banger putting out a whopping 96 BHP when new,mine is about 85 hp I reckon). I took up paragliding last year and it would not climb a couple of the hills we fly from. Thus, the new addition, the big F250 diesel. Climbs great, hauls anything, but it is NOT a daily driver, unless you enjoy making 3-point turns to get into and out of parking lots.

While I'd like to sell all 3 and get a nice F150 X-cab 4x4, I also seem to be drawn to owning more than 1 rig. Thus, I am toying with the idea of getting a used Ford Explorer for my daily driver and selling the Trooper. I would like to be able to do some light 4x4'ing with it, but in reality would primarily do a fair amount of snow and ice asphalt road driving with it and not much off road-- save that detail for the F250. From what I can see just looking at the Explorer, ground clearance would be a problem for any serious off road work, and we do some when we paraglide.

I have looked at a few Explorers and while I would prefer a 95 or newer from what I know about them, would entertain the older ones if someone gives me hope. (Not to mention I don't want to spend more than about 7 bills max). I would like an automatic, just because every rig I have ever owned has been a manual and I am getting lazy; around town it would be nice not to have to clutch and shift constantly.

What recommendations do you all have? Are there any particular things to watch for- avoid- desire? I'd like an XLT trim package- er, well, at least air and cruise & automatic.

I appreciate your help. I have had some good help with my F250 problems on www. ford-diesel.com a good site.

Thanks All and have a safe and peaceful 9-11.

John B in Boise, ID

 

[Jason_25]

If you want a first gen, make sure to get one that's a 93.5 or later. The automatic transmission was beefed up and the o/d and torque converter engagement was made electronic. The engine's in the early models tend to have weak heads and head gaskets and if they overheat there is a good chance you have wiped out your upper motor. Keep the cooling system in good shape! Also, the upper intake manifold bolts will probably need to be retightened. If you get a first gen, you will probably need to replace bushings. Pivot bushing, radius arm bushing etc. Lastly, the autohubs are prone to failure. Those are really your only major problems with the first gens.

Second gen problems tend to be more complex, but overall they don't have as many. The auto transmission is second gens isn't quite as weak as the first gens, but that's not saying much. It will still need to be babied. The hub assemblies are an issue with second gens and are expensive to replace because they house the wheel bearing as well. 97-98 models have problems with the blend door in the dash failing which is VERY expensive to have fixed. 97-99 models with the SOHC 4.0L have various problems but with mileage under 72K (I think), Ford will fix them for free. All 96-01 V8 models tend to develop a passenger side exhuast leak and then later on develop some valve clatter.

That's about all I can think of right now

 

[Alec]

Overall, the Explorer has always been a great and capable truck. With 4x4 and some 31" tires, it should be able to do anything your large F250 can do due to it's agility and smaller size. Jason hit many good points, and they're pretty much true. However, don't be discouraged as I've noticed Explorers hold up very well over time.