Things to look for when buying a '99 Explorer

[eddih]

Hi everyone!

My name's Hidde, I'm a Dutch guy who lives in Sweden at the moment.

I am looking for a decent 4wd to get me through the year (especially next winter, I've got an old '87 Saab 900i at the moment and had some problems getting out of our driveway, we live quite remote). I ran into a 1999 Ford Explorer which looks really neat, I think it's the V6 model (150kw, that's the V6 right?).

The main problem with the car is that the low range gears won't engange, I've done some research and saw that it's usually the transfer case, and that this could be quite an easy repair, could it also be something more major?

Are there any other specific things to look for with an explorer? (The transmission of this model is sometimes a bit dodgy?)

Ps. sorry if I posted this on the wrong place! I hope to get more experience with this forum soon!

Thanks in advance!

Kind regards,

Hidde

 

[Gary Crist]

To bad you can't get a Sonnet and put a 4L OHV V6 in it!

 

[C420sailor]

Which V6? SOHC or OHV?

All V6 vehicles: transmission. The 5R55E in its original form tends to eat bands and torque converters if beaten on and/or not well maintained. Valve body gasket blowouts too. A quality rebuild with the ford updates is more robust. That said, a well maintained original trans can last. If the fluid is red on paper towel? Good sign. Brown or black? Burnt smell? I’d pass. Any transmission codes? Pass.

SOHC: Valvetrain. If you hear a quick rattle on cold start only, the tensioners likely need changing. Easy job. If you hear rattle at idle or other RPM (2000-2500 seems to be a common rattle point for many), walk away. This engine, when well maintained, is smooth and relatively silent. You can get a decent look at the front chain assembly through the oil fill with a borescope.

OHV: timing cover leaks on the front of the engine. Not a show stopper, but I would use it to negotiate price.

Check body and frame for rust/rot.

Explorers are hard-ish on suspension components, so check ball joint boots, sway bar bushings and links, control arm bushings, etc.

 

[eddih]

Which V6? SOHC or OHV?

All V6 vehicles: transmission. The 5R55E in its original form tends to eat bands and torque converters if beaten on and/or not well maintained. Valve body gasket blowouts too. A quality rebuild with the ford updates is more robust. That said, a well maintained original trans can last. If the fluid is red on paper towel? Good sign. Brown or black? Burnt smell? I’d pass. Any transmission codes? Pass.

SOHC: Valvetrain. If you hear a quick rattle on cold start only, the tensioners likely need changing. Easy job. If you hear rattle at idle or other RPM (2000-2500 seems to be a common rattle point for many), walk away. This engine, when well maintained, is smooth and relatively silent. You can get a decent look at the front chain assembly through the oil fill with a borescope.

OHV: timing cover leaks on the front of the engine. Not a show stopper, but I would use it to negotiate price.

Check body and frame for rust/rot.

Explorers are hard-ish on suspension components, so check ball joint boots, sway bar bushings and links, control arm bushings, etc.

Thanks! Really helpful!

I don't know if it's a SOHC or OHV, I'll have to see it on the spot! (I read you can see it at the VIN number, e or x, or on the engine cover).

I'll go have a look this week, if it's all good then I'll take it home!

Cheers