Thinkin of gettin a 2nd gen

[xMike87x]

Alright, I have a 91 eddie baurer that the tranny has died on. Ive been thinkin about just gettin a V8 explorer instead of havin the transmision rebuilt since Im finding them for not that much more than what a rebuild would cost me. This would be my off road/winter vehicle and i would plan to move all my mods from my 1st gen to the new one.

With that bein said I have a few questions:
1. Are the shock mounts the same on the 2nd gen as the 1st gen?
2. Would I be able to swap my warn manual hubs over?
3. How does the IFS hold up?
4. Are the transmissions on the V8s more reliable/durable than the A4LD?

Any opinions/info is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[steventadams]

With that bein said I have a few questions:
1. Are the shock mounts the same on the 2nd gen as the 1st gen?
2. Would I be able to swap my warn manual hubs over?
3. How does the IFS hold up?
4. Are the transmissions on the V8s more reliable/durable than the A4LD?

Any opinions/info is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

1. No idea haha.
2. 2nd gens don't use selectable hubs so they don't apply
3. Mine has been fine but I can't speak in generalities
4. The transmissions are more reliable/durable than the A4LD

 

[xMike87x]

Thanks fo the feed back and one more question i forgot:
Is the transfercase on the AWD models a 2 speed (4hi/low) or should i rule
them out since i will want a low range for off road?

 

[sparkyXplorer]

The T-case in the AWD v8's is a 1:1 ratio...no high, no low...it just is....Not the most favored thing out there, but you can search for a 4406 T-case swap which is a T-case from a f150 normally and with that you will get the normal 2wd, 4hi, 4lo....o ya and nuetral

 

[xMike87x]

Thanks again for the info. Ill most likely just rule those outta my search field since there are plenty of 4wd models out there.

 

[Cobraguy]

(1) No.
(2) No. Gen II's don't have hubs at all. However, there may be a way...
(3) Well, they do call it an EXPLODER.... But I've found it to be very good overall.
(4) Oh...no comparison. The 4R70W is a VERY reliable trans and can be modified to handle a ton of power.

 

[ericautopart]

A 5.0 AWD for off road vehicle? I'd think you'd be better off w/ a 6 cyl selectable or even a kia sorrento.

 

[techieman33]

A 5.0 AWD for off road vehicle? I'd think you'd be better off w/ a 6 cyl selectable or even a kia sorrento.

The awd is pretty capable off road, and with the 4406 swap (2.7:1 low range) it would be unstopable.

 

[xMike87x]

Im not all that concerned about swapping the hubs.. Im more just planning out what i will be able to transfer over from my 1st gen after i get a lil more money saved up and get a newer explorer. You guys have answered my main questions so thanks again.

 

[Charlie]

1. No
2. Probably not without a lot of work. Doubt it would be worth it.
3. Dang good, from my experience. Mine has gone through a lot. Been airborne a few times, too. Held up fine.
4. Yes. Much more so.

The AWD doesn't have any low range, and nothing is selectable on it. As mentioned, it does pretty well, but if you swap out the transfer case you would have a low range, and it would perform great.

Also, the V8's are reliable, and have plenty of aftermarket parts if you choose to do any modifying to it. It also gets only slightly worse mileage than a 4.0 OHV, and IMO the slight difference in mileage is no big deal for the better engine.

 

[Joe Dirt]

And Gen II's are hard to flip- ask Charlie.

 

[bluexpy]

My first Explorer was a 1st gen, a 94 XLT 4wd 5spd. Then I bought a '00 5.0L/4W70 AWD. I'll add my tidbit.

1) The rears do; the front don't due to IFS. 2nd gens have a mini shock on the rear axle.
2) No hubs like everyone else said.
3) It's a vital factor in the famous tire fisaco. But the damn Wilderness HT is a ****ty tire to begin with, anyway. They become better when you stick quality tires on 'em. They ride much better than the 1st gens on the street. You never have to worry about the frickin' RABs, too.
4) I avoided the AL4D like the plague. My current is a 4W70, and I love it. But I gotta warn you - it has an annoying quirk that is evident on the 2nd gen Explorers. The shift from 1st to 2nd gear will result in an bucking Eronco. Nothing wrong with it, just the way it's set up.

Overall, I love the 2nd gen. I should have bought a 2nd gen the first time around without wasting a ton of money on the 1st gen I had. Life lesson #13454312316515464

 

[xMike87x]

Theres a lil less compatible between the 1st and 2nd gens than I had hoped but its just minor things. Overall Im looking really forward to gettin 1 even though Ill be waving bye to my 1st gen. Now I just cant wait to get a lil more money in the bank.

 

[gmanpaint]

Theres a lil less compatible between the 1st and 2nd gens than I had hoped but its just minor things. Overall Im looking really forward to gettin 1 even though Ill be waving bye to my 1st gen. Now I just cant wait to get a lil more money in the bank.

I am feeling a little apprehensive, going from 1st gen to 2nd gen. My '94 seems to be built a little more rugged, stronger, and has proved itself reliable, over 200k on it now, runs like a champ, and still can take the abuse. May be it is the year of the 2nd gen I just got, a '95,(1st yr learning woes) it does not seem to have the qualities of my 1st gen as far as being a tuff sumbitch. Time will tell me, as I am pumping every extra penny I got into it right now. The only mods I can switch over are the tow bar, lights, and tunes!
Good luck, let me know how it has gone for you, and I will as well.