Teach the Aussie! Considerations when buying a 95-01 Explorer

[Sixa]

Hello!

Explorers are somewhat rarer in Australia as Ford AU does not import them.

We're more used to these Ford Performance Vehicles F6 Turbo Ute

So I'm somewhat struggling to find decent information about these vehicles.

I'm considering adding an Explorer to the family and was hoping I could ask a few questions?

What are some of the things I should look out for when buying a second hand Explorer?

I've heard of problems with transmissions, from flaring to failure... what should I look for?

Are they prone to rust? If so, where is common?

Are there issues with the differential I should be aware of?

I've heard about problems with suspension bushes causing problems with swaybars and linkages, is this true?

I'm used to modifying vehicles, so am not afraid of solutions that require replacement of stock parts.

Thanks in advance and have a lovely day!

Ray

 

[imp]

What are some of the things I should look out for when buying a second hand Explorer? Answers here cannot be objective, since they are based on opinion rather than numbers. But, certainly I would carefully test-drive the vehicle, looking for steering abnormalities, noises related to road shock input (bumps), and listening for gear or driveline bearing noises. But, you know all this already......
Pay close attention to shift quality and timing, if automatic trans.

I've heard of problems with transmissions, from flaring to failure... what should I look for? Check for leaks. Be aware the electronically-shifted trans. alters it's shift quality based on power & speed input- minimum throttle upshifts always feel rather "mushy"; that's normal.

Are they prone to rust? If so, where is common? If veh. has the wide, flat running boards, they hide the rocker panels rather effectively. I have detected rust at rear of rocker panel just above running board.

Are there issues with the differential I should be aware of? Just the usual listen for noise occurring/increasing when power to accelerate is increasingly applied.

I've heard about problems with suspension bushes causing problems with swaybars and linkages, is this true? Not any more or less than other makes.

Hope this has helped some. Let us know if you anticipate purchase! imp

Ray