Things I should know about '00 Sport?

[Chandler]

Well I am about to join your world, I am picking up a 2000 Explorer Sport-V6 SOHC this week. Is there anything I should know to look for on this car? Good or Bad? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[grandan48]

Hey, i just got my 2000 sport 3 monthjs ago for $13,000, and i really love the truck, it is fully equipped.

I think you did buy a really great truck

 

[Chandler]

how many miles were on it? i got mine for 6500.

 

[Majisto]

Only big issue with the Sports is the mono-leaf rear end. Every Sport will begin to sag in the rear. Just put in some extra leafs from a 4-door, and you'll be fine.

 

[MONMIX]

Yeah, what Majesto said.
Check the rear wiper motor.
I got mine used and that was nonfunctioning.
Keep an eye on the Idle Air Control Valve.
Other than that I have been very happy with my 00 Sport.
I hope you have the same good fortune.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I too have an 00 Sport, bought last fall. I installed a new serpentine belt and new brake pads at 36K. So far nothing has caused trouble, and I'm very pleased with it. It gets about 19 mpg around town, 21 on the highway.

I was impressed with how well it handles in stock form. That front sway bar is a BIG one.....

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

MONMIX & Majisto, how hard are those 4-dr leaf springs to install? Did they raise the rear, or just make it stiffer? Did they help the handling?
Thanks.

 

[Chandler]

runnin- you beat me to the same question.

 

[Hokie]

Swapping springs is pretty easy. Just need some big wrenches, some good penetrating oil, jack stands, a jack or 2 and a buddy to help you put everything in place (and beer of course) I put 4 door leafs on my truck, but they had a double AAL installed, so yeah, it raised my rear a bit ... Putting in 4 door leaves may raise your ass end a little, but not too bad. honestly, i think the butt sitting 1/2" higher looks better (if even noticeable) than the 1" sag my truck had when we bought it. I HATE when the tail sits low

EDIT: Oh yeah, something to use as a breaker bar, just incase the U Bolt nuts are a PITA

 

[TarHeel085]

yep, thats pretty much what ya do as Hokie said. heres a thread on it http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=45667&highlight=4door+leaf+install

 

[MONMIX]

I did my leaf swap in about three hours
but that also included 4 new shocks
a rear sway bar
painting my break calipars and diff.
granted I had air tools and I work on cars for a living.

It with out question makes a diferance in the ride height.
A bit more firm but nothing hateful.

I will say this, the rear sway bar from Explorer Express make a fantastic differance.

 

[Chandler]

Monmix- are you coming down to florida any time soon? i have a car for you to work on

 

[JOHN V.]

Of course I agree with Nonmix, the EE Sway Bar offers a big improvement, regardless if you leave the single leaf or swap to the multileaf set up. I think it depends on what you want to to do with your Sport. If you plan on making it more of a sport truck, you can always drop down the front end and level it out. Add the bumper kit and special Edlebrock Shocks and you will not believe how good that vehicle will ride and handle. If towing or carrying heavy loads/passengers, you may consider the multileaf conversion. Either way our sway bar is a great first upgrade. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[MONMIX]

Originally posted by Chandler
Monmix- are you coming down to florida any time soon? i have a car for you to work on

Actually I will be in the Orlando / Lakeland area in
February.
I'll be leaving my tools at home though.
They call it a vacation for a reason.

 

[Chandler]

hahaha, very understandable