Should I keep it?

[cpd374@cox.net]

Hello all,
I have recently inherited a 1998 Eddie Bauer Explorer. It runs fine and has no problems, but has 171,000 miles. I was planning on starting a bit of off roading and was thinking of getting a Jeep or Land Cruiser. Is the Explorer going to be as easy to deal with for casual driving and occasional off roading and camping?

 

[Mbrooks420]

It all depends on how you are going to use it. If you want to make a semi-off road second vehicle truck the Explorer is a good choice, if you are mechanically inclined. You can lift them enough to fit 31x10.5's for under $100, and you can fit 32's and maybe 33's if you want to get creative with the sawzall. Rims that push the tires out helps too. What motor does the truck have?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Why buy anything else if you inherited an Explorer?

 

[cpd374@cox.net]

The Explorer has the 5.0 V8. I had been thinking of getting a 4x4 prior to getting this vehicle, and then it fell into our laps. I don't know much about 4x4's, but have worked on muscle cars alot. I guess one of my main questions would be in regards to the AWD system on the Explorer. Is it as stout as a traditional 4wd? Also, how durable are the gears/axles in general since it has 171,000 miles on it?

I appreciate the replies!!

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome i think u should keep up the explorer but its up to u. I am thinkin about sellin my 01 sport.

 

[redneck21]

It all depends on how good your X is. If its in good shape then it will be find take a look around and see what ppl are doing with the ones they have. I have a 99 2wd sport and do a lot of camping most of it is not in deep mud but i have in deep(for 2wd) and got out, hit some back roads that have miles of nothing but 6-12inch pot holes and this is my DD been 2 month of this on the weekend and i don't see any difference at all with mine.

 

[Mbrooks420]

The 5.0 Explorer's are much tougher than the v6 ones. The weakest link with the v6's is the weak tranny, and transfer case. Unless you are going to be doing serious offroading the AWD will be fine. If it ever goes out, a traditional 2high 4high 4 low transfer case can be made to fit from an Expedition with little work. The rear explorer axle is great, which is why you'll find it under many Jeeps. The front axle should be fine, aside from maybe a set of ball joints, and the normally replaceable stuff.

 

[joshuaj0214]

I swapped a 5.0 AWD drivetrain in my 2 door and I do run it pretty hard on and offroad, Ihaven't had a single problem yet. I have lifted it, both body and suspension, and have 33's on it. These trucks are very capable and IMO a solid choice for a dual purpose rig. Look around the site and see what others are doing and get some cheap and somethimes free ideas. Good luck

 

[cpd374@cox.net]

Thanks for all of the responses. I appreciate the help. It should be a fun project and I am looking forward to it. The site is very helpful for seeing what others have done.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Keep the Explorer. Friends don't let freinds drive JEEPS (AKA HEEPS)

A lot of HEEP owners put the Explorer 8.8 rear axles in their HEEPS because the HEEP axles suck.

 

[96SportWheelin]

You should do what you truly want, but explorers are great all purpose vehicles. For around $200 you could have plenty of lift to fit 33" tires ($150 for bl and $50 for shackle/tt). 5.0 are great motors...I have one in my mustang with a 166,000 miles and love it. Very tunable motor.

Just like any other vehicles... if you 177k miles were taken car of than it could outlast a 44k mile car that has had the crap ran out of it.

Like others have said, look around on this site and you'll find some nice casual offroad builds all the way to the craziest builds.

Have fun!