V-6 vs. V-8

[tscott_8]

I'm beginning to look for used Explorers/Mountaineers and drive appx. 120 miles a day. I was wondering which is a more trouble free powerplant/Drivetrain? The V-6 4WD or the V-8 AWD? I'll appreciate any input!

 

[410Fortune]

V8, mainly because the transmission is FAR more reliable.
the V8 is also a HUGE bonus when motivating a heavy Explorer.

 

[Rab386]

I would have to dissagree. i have the 4.0L v-6 and have had no problems, also i get about 19 miles per gallon, it also has 4 wd. if you really want more power, you could even get a super chip or something. this 4.0L has been around forever, so there are a lot of mods for it. i have seen a lot of rangers with the 4.0L that have over 200,000 miles e-z.

 

[Turdle]

All of the v-8's Ive known get better mileage than the v-6, and the parts for engine are more common.
I'd do the v-8 without question. I've never seen a v-8 timing chain issue on this site, but the v-6, well count on pulling engine to time the whole thing correctly.
Transmission? no doubt the 4r70w is the best choice.
Just look at the transmission section here. That will answer any question
I get 22 mpg, and I'm modded heavily
I have yet to see a v-6 trip computer that says more than 15.1 on average miles per gallon.
The v-8s I've seen almost always display 17.1
Remember, when it is all said and done, YOU COULDA HAD A V-8

 

[celly]

I've owned 2 Explorers with SOHC V6, one with the OHV V6 (years ago) and have one with a V8 now. I really love the V8, but it's a pig on gas. Got better mileage with the SOHC for sure. The SOHC is a very fun engine, but you've got to make sure all the TSB work has been done on it (timing chain stuff). Otherwise you'll end up with lots of nagging issues that will cost you $$$ to fix (they used to fix it all under warranty and an extended warranty). Once Ford got all those bugs out, the SOHC is a superb engine. Just take care of engine and tranny with regular maintenance and it will take care of you. Yes, the V8 has a tried and true engine and tranny, but it's really not that cheap to operate (to me anyhow). I've heard you can get 20 mpg, but I can't comment yet because I haven't done any major road trips yet. I get 12-13 in the city right now. I got better than that with my SOHC for sure.

They're both great powerplants. One advantage to a SOHC equipped Explorer is that you can switch to 4-lo, 4-hi, and let the car decide (Control-Trac). Some models have true switchable 2WD. The V8 is full time AWD which contributes to the poor mileage. It does stick to the road like glue though. I love the way it handles in winter so far. Mind you, the 4Lo on my old Sport got me out of a few tough situations so I will miss it.

You won't go wrong with either engine/tranny, IMHO.

 

[Rhett]

V8, no question. You'll get the same mileage as a V6, but with more power, and a better transmission. It's hard to kill a 302. An OHV is reliable, but it's easy to kill the V6 transmission.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

the only neagtive that i see( i have a friend with a V8) is not having the 4wd-lo.

 

[celly]

the only neagtive that i see( i have a friend with a V8) is not having the 4wd-lo.

At the end of the day, that's how I feel too.

I'm sure that once I start hitting the highway more often, the mileage gap will lessen. In the city, I got better mileage with a SOHC. Keep in mind I drove a Sport which is smaller and lighter. Of course mileage will be better.

I really like the V8, but can't slam the V6 (SOHC) either.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

I'm sure that once I start hitting the highway more often, the mileage gap will lessen. In the city, I got better mileage with a SOHC. Keep in mind I drove a Sport which is smaller and lighter. Of course mileage will be better.

I really like the V8, but can't slam the V6 (SOHC) either.

yeah i wish my parents got the V8 AWD in 96 and the i would toss in a manual T-case to solve the 4-lo problem. But as stated above the gasmilage with the awd will be a bit worse because it is all wtirews turring under power. I bet the SOHC gets better gas milege then my OHV (12-15) but in the end.....GET the 8

 

[tscott_8]

Thanks!

Thanks everybody for the help. I just found a 1999 EB Explorer Loaded with...A V-8 with AWD. I pick it up tomorow!

 

[Turdle]

cool

 

['97 V8]

i get 21 mpg, and you have to love the sound of the V8. Like he said, you coulda had a V8. Also they are way more reliable.

 

['97 V8]

oops didnt see that last post, congrats on it, you'll love it.

 

[CowboyPenner]

I get 21MPG from my OHV V6 and the only mod is synthetic motor oil and K&N air filter. The functionality of the Control-Trac lessens the wear and tear on parts. I'm happy with my V6.

 

[chriswells78]

I love my V8. I am sure you will love yours! Congrats on your purchase!

 

[Green98XLT]

I love the 5.0 myself and was about to purchase one when we were shopping for our EX but as soon as I found out that you could only get it with AWD I was bummed!

I want selectable 4WD no other way about it so I had to settle for the SOHC V6, can't complain though, it runs really well and gets pretty damn good gas mileage for a heavy truck. Now to me, the ultimate Ex would be the selectable transfer case with the 5.0 powerplant and 4R70 trans!

 

[JTX]

I love the 5.0 myself and was about to purchase one when we were shopping for our EX but as soon as I found out that you could only get it with AWD I was bummed!

Thats when you buya Mountaineer! I love my v8, after driving my V6 Explorer getiing into the V8 is like a whole another world! The V6 is capable of getting better mileage, but is it capable of making your seat wet?!

 

[Green98XLT]

Could you get selectable true 4WD with the Mountaineer? I thought they were identical to the Explorers just a facelift and some badges?

 

[pumpkin]

Could you get selectable true 4WD with the Mountaineer?

Only with the V6. AWD is the only option with a V8.

 

[drake437]

The SOHC tensioner problems were fixed in 2001 from what I've read (from Ford) and heard (zero problems with mine).

I think if you drive 120 miles a day.....I'd get a car or if you want a SUV get an Escape.