Stock Explorer Off Road?

[MoMike]

Not sure if this is the right forum; apologies in advance if it isn't.

I have a 99XLT stock Explorer, with the AWD-4hi-4lo transmission. I'm wondering just how "capable" it is in an off-road environment.

I don't plan on mudding, rock-crawling, etc. I assume it's fine on dirt paths and crummy roads. But if I needed to get off the pavement for whatever reason, is it going to be able to slog through mud, water, etc for short periods of time? Or will it bog down the second it hits un-packed dirt? I'm thinking conditions like getting sidetracked (as in while en route somewhere, not "call in the search party") in the northern Midwest states (MO, IA, WI).

Also, on a related theme, I need new tires. Will replacing with a 16 or 17" tire help at all with on/off-road versatility? Currently I have on 15 inch tires. How does that affect fuel economy?

Thank you!

 

[Blee1099]

Very capable in stock form.. Stick with 15" tires since they are cheaper. You can run 31s without any issues or minor lifting via torsion bar adjustment & shackles or add a leafs.

 

[zhanx]

Also with 15" tires you have more sidewall, and if you do get stuck you can air down a little to give a larger traction area. You should be fine if your not going offroad, If need be dont be afraid to get out and walk the area you need to drive though.

 

[DarkMan]

I don't mean to insult, but I'm curious if by "15 inch tires" you mean stock height. You don't have 15" tires, you have 15" wheels. Stock tires are about 28" in diameter.

Bigger tires will help and will not require that you buy new wheels. You can easily fit 30" tires on a stock truck. I had 31x10.5 Pirelli Scorpion AT tires on my stocker and they worked awesome.

As for a stock truck's capabilities, as long as you have low range four wheel drive you can handle a lot of situations. Your only problem will be clearance. Deep mud or tall rocks can get you stuck, but if you know how to drive you can do a lot more than you would think. It's all about wheel placement and momentum.

Check out my website to see some pictures of what a stocker can do.

 

[MoMike]

I don't mean to insult, but I'm curious if by "15 inch tires" you mean stock height. You don't have 15" tires, you have 15" wheels. Stock tires are about 28" in diameter.

Bigger tires will help and will not require that you buy new wheels. You can easily fit 30" tires on a stock truck. I had 31x10.5 Pirelli Scorpion AT tires on my stocker and they worked awesome.

As for a stock truck's capabilities, as long as you have low range four wheel drive you can handle a lot of situations. Your only problem will be clearance. Deep mud or tall rocks can get you stuck, but if you know how to drive you can do a lot more than you would think. It's all about wheel placement and momentum.

Check out my website to see some pictures of what a stocker can do.

I don't think they're factory tires (I bought it used), but I'm assuming it's stock wheels! No insult taken...

 

[kid_crash]

I have a 92 xlt in stock condition and have used it quite a few times off road. I've gone over and through some things that have surprised me for a stock truck.

 

[MustangAndy]

A stock Explorer is quite capable off the road. Ford did factor in a few things when they designed it. Right on the home page of Explorer4x4.com:

With the Ford Explorer being the #1 SUV in America for over a decade there is certainly no one in the US who is un-familiar with this vehicle. The trouble is that most people equate a Ford Explorer with soccer moms and shopping malls rather than off road trails such as the Rubicon and Terminator.

The Ford Explorer may be the best kept secret in the off-road world. When these rigs are stock they are capable off-road performers. After a few modifications they become nearly unstoppable.

From 1991-1994 the Ford Explorer platform came with a full ladder type frame based on the tough Ford Ranger platform, an extremely tough 8.8” 31 spline rear axle, Dana 35 Twin Traction Beam (TTB) front suspension (axle diameters and U-joints are the same as a Dana 44), choice of a manual or electronic shift BW1354 transfer case with low range, manual or automatic locking hubs, and a torquey, super reliable 4.0L V-6.

In 1995 Ford changed the front suspension on the Explorer to an IFS system (Independent Front Suspension). Although the IFS systems offer less wheel travel than the TTB systems, they have proven themselves to be extremely reliable off-road. 2002 brought more changes to the Explorer 4 door. The most noticeable change is the addition of an Independent Rear Suspension system in place of the live axle suspension all previous Explorers shared.

.....and the break over angle is excellent since the transfer case is tucked well up within the frame rails.....

That's gotta be the biggest plus - Transfer case is secure and outta the way.

 

[Charlie]

I would say they are very capable vehicles off road, I actually have mine TT lowered 2" and it still handles well off road, meaning soft ground, some mud, and about a 4" deep stream is what I have easily gone through with no problems. I also have cheap tires.

Good luck, and have fun wheeling

 

[Anime]

A stock Explorer is fine for mild off-roading, but if you're talking about going through mud and water deeper than a foot or two, you'll want to extend the axle breather hoses so that they are higher, and water won't get into them. With the AWD, V8 engine, and 4LO, you'll probably never bog down if you use common sense and don't try going through any deep mud or water.

As for tires, it's a good idea to get them for the type of driving you do most. If you do mostly highway driving, and want a tire for good mileage that is still very capable off-road, you might want to look at the Michelin LTX M/S. If you want an on and off-road tire, an all-terrain like the BF Goodrich All-Terrain or Bridgestone Dueler Revo might be what you want. Stick with the 15 inch wheels, the 15" tires are cheaper, and you can get the LT (Light Truck) tires in 15", where most 16-17" are P-rated passenger tires.

 

[SensRanger]

I find 4 Low to be more useful for slow going on rutted or rocky hills, and for towing or recovery operations. When you are in a mud hole, all that extra torque is going nowhere when your tires spin and fling mud everywhere. I like the zippier response of 4 High for such situations.

 

[ExploringNC]

The stock truck is very capable of doing alot more than you would think but it's the driver that needs to be carefull. If you've never been off road before start small, use a spotter or get out and pic the best path by walking it first. The most important thing to remember is to NEVER WHEEL ALONE!!! It's very tempting to take off down a trail and see where it goes but getting stuck is all a part of off roading, you will need that second or third vehicle to pull you out of a mud hole or off a rock. Being prepared is also another part of off roading - chains, straps, tools, a good spare, cell phone - list can get quite long depending on conditions.

 

[edsexplorer]

hey are the f150 springs a bolt in for a 97 sport,it has single leaf now

 

[dakota91]

i have a pretty stock explorer just turned the torsion bars about inch to clear 31 inch wrangler duratreks and i havent gotten stuck or found something i cant do