Thinking of a 1994-Pics here-what do you guys think?

[Huxley]

Hey folks,

I'm a new member to this forum and if I decide to go with this vehicle I'll be a continuing voice here.

It's a 1994 Ford Explorer (I bet you guessed the make and model though) and it has 160K on the clock. It is from upstate NY where I'm from and, therefore, has quite a bit of rust on it thanks to the immense amounts of salt use during the winters. The question is, is it too much rust? The current asking price is $400 and they are willing to lower that. I drove it down the road. It shifts fine but has a definitive need for some exhaust work-I think a clamp is missing underneath. I know the trans is the weakest part of these things from what I've heard and read so that is generally ok. Underneath has some oil weepage but nothing that looks as though it's dripping out too fast. 4WD works but it's push button unfortunately. Much to my surprise, the back gate lifts up without issue and stays up and all the doors work.

Anyway, I am somewhat versed in mechanics. I have more books on the subject than I know what to do with and currently I work on old jap motorcycles, my 1992 Pontiac grand am (found me, I didn't find it but it only has 50K on it) and then I do mild to moderate work on my mothers Geo Prizm and my dads Ford Escort wagon. While I have a book on bodywork, I have no hands on experience. Also, I understand engines and transmissions in theory but I've never had a car engine taken apart before. I also understand suspension but have never taken that apart before either.

I guess another question is how many questions can you put up with from me if I do get this thing?

So, here are the pics and let me know what you guys think. I drove it down the road, shifted through all the gears, all work, none skip, no hesitation, starts ok, doesn't overheat, gauges look good (but I know enough not to trust the gauge) nothing looks incredibly bad under the hood considering the rest of the vehicle (though I stupidly forgot to take a picture) and I think it would last at least a little while.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to more posts here!

Huxley

http://img527.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=1001242j.jpg

 

[MrQ]

Umm, wow. That rust is bad.

I would be fairly leery of that explorer. No matter what the price it will cost you as much, if not more, to try and battle that rust. Especially where it is, up and through the rear quarter panel, on the doors, through the front fender.

All I can say is, ouch.

Your choice though. If its mechanically sound then, maybe.

 

[Huxley]

Hey Dan,

Thanks for the reply. I am definitely concerned about the rust but I guess I'm so accustomed to seeing that or worse on a lot of the older vehicles around here, trucks and truck-like especially. After looking around, I'm seeing much nicer ones for only a couple hundred dollars more so unless the price of that thing drops to about $100 I'll pass on it most likely unless someone else has a differing opinion here.

Take care,
Huxley

 

[josh93rodeo]

I guess I'm so accustomed to seeing that or worse on a lot of the older vehicles around here

I feel sorry for you guys up north. I've never seen anything close to that around here (Nevada desert). I don't have a speck of rust on any of my vehicles.

That really does look like more work than it's worth. What would you intend to use the truck for if you got it?

 

[Huxley]

Hauling vehicle/back up vehicle. Something to cart kayaks around in. Put a hitch on it to tow a trailer (not sure if the frame on that piece could hold up to that). Camping, slight off-roading when necessary to get somewhere and I'm a big big believer in staying on trails with vehicles.

But its primary use is for zombie apocalypse purposes. Not sure it could manage that. What if zombies know how to exploit rust? What then? I'm screwed, that's what.

So is the consensus here no go? I feel sorry for us northern folks too. It's a rough place to be when you just want to ride on two wheels all the time.


As a sidenote (and I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE for this question ahead of time because I imagine it is asked CONSTANTLY) I was initially looking into Cherokee's and only Cherokee's. I have books on Cherokee's and I'm under the impression that the aftermarket is insanely large for those. On the other hand, I'm not exactly well-off and any updates done will be discreet and low key. So, ultimately, since Ford Explorer is a more common vehicle, should I stick with that for what I want to do? This is not a daily driver. Probably not even a weekly driver. This is maybe a couple times a month and I don't expect to demand an incredible amount from this thing. Tell me what these X's have over the Cherokee's and vice versa, I'd love to hear. Or tell me to use the damn search function and shut my mouth! Either way.

Thanks,
Huxley

 

[nitro71]

How's your local supply of used explorer parts? Do you have a pull n save type place. I can go yank a tranny for $60 bucks and slap it in. If you have a place like that with lots of explorers for parts and you're a mechanic then I'd go for it. But if you can get a manual you might be happier down the road. Nobody scores the manual trannies since they last pretty good and you don't have to worry bout the auto tranny.

My reason for getting a explorer is all the components on my manaul 93 sport are strong and don't need upgrading much for off roading. Used parts are cheap and plentiful for me. The available lift options for the 91-94's is good.

 

[Huxley]

There's a local salvage yard...two actually. And then there is a massive one about 30 minutes away along with some places that pull it for you and you just go in and buy and they even provide a warranty on some parts. So parts aren't really hard to come by. Strangely enough, I'm not well versed in driving a manual car even though I ride motorcycles. I've done it before, but only to a limited degree. Regardless, I doubt I would find a standard.

If I could pick up that heap for $150 or so, would it be worth it? I'm putting a lot of weight onto your opinions here because I'm only familiar with my ex's moms 2002 explorer.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Man- if you're towing with it, I really would look at the frame... I've seen them snap off hitches...

I feel your pain from Michigan... We've got similar automotive fates!

 

[marragtop]

First question is... how much work does it need to get it 'legal' with tags? In MD, the body rust alone would be enough to be a deal breaker. With that amount of rust, consider all the brake lines will need to be replaced and the exhaust, and front end parts. Assume every bolt you touch will break or round out.

Unless there is a mechanical part (4wd, engine, .etc) that is worth keeping, I'd keep looking for something cleaner. Just my opinion...

 

[fixxxer]

If you can get it cheap, then do so then keep your eyes out for another one of the same generation with a good body/frame (noticeably less rust) that has a bad engine or trannie and then swap. Then you have 1 good vehicle that will be be reliable and a parts vehicle, or one you can part out before sending in to be crushed.

 

[Huxley]

In regards to tags...it is actually legally on the road right now and I drove it yesterday. It was inspected in March believe it or not.

I'm not sure I have the know-how or the experience to feel confident in doing an engine and/or tranny swap.

 

[SPORTEXP]

I'd say go shopping at the local junk yard for one in better shape, and if you can buy this one for say a hundred bucks and use it for parts (the tranny alone is worth a lot more). That would be in my opinion more doable.