This car IS stock, Ford explorer. All parts ARE STOCK from Ford. I need nothing, just commenting on the fact that I very seldom see any posts about Gen 3!!!!!
A bit of history. Ford motor company came into being in 1903. In 2003, they decided to build a few of their popular cars and trucks extra special, to commemorate this centennial anniversary. They built Mustangs, Explorers, F150s and some other models, about 4000 of each, and sell them to dealers. These vehicles were all black, parchment colored leather upholstry, much like the origi8nal Model Ts, with CENNTENIAL EDITION stamped on the seatbacks, and badges on the body saying the same. They were built with various engines, transmissions, drive trains and equipped with various accessories. They even included a wrist watch and certificate stating that they were centennial editions in honor of Ford's 100 years of making and selling vehicles.
All the generations are tough trucks! You are right, I see much more posts for the other gens. IIRC, I think less 3rd gens were produced than 2nd and 4th gens by sales figures. Think its also nestled somewhere in between the 2nd gens which people are fixing up and the 4th gens which I also dont hear much about. So it might just be the least interest, possibly, but either way the 1st-4th gens are all great rigs! Very reliable too.
Mine is quite tough, and I am happy with it. I didn't know I was getting a quite rare car until I found more info on it. There is just under 200,000 on it, and the V-8 still does not burn oil. I go about 4000 between changes, and it is down about a pint. The transmission still shifts crisp, smooth, and constant. The only thing is that is seens a bit bouncey. I have new struts, and the other thing, the LS rear is a bit sticky. On sharp turns in gravel, the inner wheel will drag a bit. I will change the rear diff lube, and I have been told to add 8 instead of 4 oz of friction moditier. Maybe 94eddie never heard about the centennial; editions, they are something else. Just a fancied up version of the EB explorer.
Yes sir! There was another guy on here with a Centennial I think he had one X he built for speed a 3rd genand a centennial. I remember his thread one ofhis trucks was white haha
I think the 3rd and 4th gens are going to fade faster and faster over time. There just isn't any compelling reasons to keep them on the road past a certain point. The 4th gen V8s might be around a while since they have a very robust V8 and transmission that can live a long life if they are properly maintained. What will eventually do in a lot of third and fourth gens is the 5R55 transmissions and/or the 4.0L SOHC engines. As far as the 3rd/4th gen model with fewest problems, I think it is easily the 4th gen V8. One reason is its 4.6L 3V engine is nearly as dependable as the 3rd gen 4.6L 2V. Where the 4th gen takes a big lead is due to its far more reliable 6R60/80 transmissions. They can go 200k-300k miles when maintained properly.
So far, mine is doing all right. I did find a few things I repaired after an extensive search on the forum and repaired them. Trans is doing fine, there is a very small leak but I will watch very carefully. The main problem is that there were over 160,ooo miles on it, and I have no idea what was done or repaired during all these miles. Struts are a bit weak, upper front ball joints were bad (I replaced them), and a hose had broken on the power steering (I replaced it and bled the rack and pinion, and replaced the pump} steers nice and goes straight doesn't pull either direction. Now I have to tackle the AC. I just love having ALL the options except the rear facing DVD player, which I would not use anyhow. I do beleive I will run this car into the ground, hoping it will go another couple of years. Then I will buy a new car for the wife and take over her very low mile one when the EX dies. The guys in my Legion post like riding to events with 7 of us in there. A party in motion!!
