V8 AWD Questions

[CougarX]

In lieu of my tranny problems (11 times in 1.5 years) I have been looking for a new vehicle. I drove 3 explorers today and the one I liked the most was the AWD V8. Before I buy though I have a few questions. Yes, I know most of these answers can be found by searching but for some reason the search engine isnt working for me and it returns like 105000 posts for whatever I search.

What kind of mileage do you get with the 5.0L and AWD? The 2000s are rated at 14/20 and a 1998 is rated at 14/17. Are these pretty close or do you get worse?

What kind of easy upgrades for the 5.0L are there. I know that there is great aftermarket support for the 5.0 but what is there that is easy bolt-on for the explorer?

Will 31" tires fit with a little bit of trimming or do I have to torsion/shackle lift it? I ask because I'm going to have the dealer swap my virtually new Dueler's onto the Explorer.

Has the V8 been reliable? I know it's an almost 40 year old design but since this is the last year for it did they skimp any on it?

Have you been happy with your 5.0 or would you get a SOHC if you had to do it all over again?

Will I be safe getting an extended powertrain warranty or should I go for bumper to bumper? (100000 mile)

Lastly, I am looking at two right now. One is a fully loaded 98 EB w/34k and the other is a 'nicely equiped' 00 XLT w/24k. Both are AWD V8s. I think the 00 XLT is going to cost less than the 98EB by a grand or so. Which one would you recommend? Are all the extra buttons on a EB worth the extra money?

Thanks in advance.

 

[01EB5.0]

Well, I have never heard of anytone haveing tranny truoble on the V-8 so that shopuld make you happy. Also I would get the 98 Eddie bauer if it was my choice. Good luck!

 

[DJLittleWonder]

It's great

To put it short, get a V8.

I have a '97 AWD V8. I love it. The only problem I have with it is the gas mileage. I don't have an info center so I can't tell you specifically what I get, but I think it's like 8 mpg. As for the power gain, wonderful! My girlfriend has a V6 Grand Cherokee... it screams for more power. I can do 90 while the RPM is around 2500+ in my V8.

I also have a Lincoln 5.0 LSC. Gotta love the power... I'm not sure what your take is on speed, but if you're like me, you'll be sorry with a V6.

Also, seeing that most high performance Fords and Mustangs are V8, there's plenty of mods that can be done if you really wanted to.

As for which vehicle you should get... I'd go with the '00. It's a newer vehicle. Whould you throw away two years just for a little more luxury, and to have some guys name all over the vehicle? Hope this helps.

 

[Ron Cruz]

I have a 97 Black/tan E/B V8 AWD it has about 54,000 miles and is still running great. All the extras seem to be alot but once you get used to having them its hard to get along without them. As for gas milage I live in a fairly rural part of PA and most driving is NOT stop and go so I average about 15.5 around town and 17.0 highway. I would go with the 98 E/B.....GOOD LUCK.. with your choice.............Ron

P.S. I changed the back hatch + tailights + bumper on my '97 for a '99 , switched a few emblems and it looks exactly like the '98. Also I did have a problem with the Blend door on my climate control unit and it needed to be replaced (it's about a $600 job if not under warranty)
If you check I believe that problem was taken care of in '98 Ford changed the design for the door.

 

[CougarX]

Thanks for all the info. I am now a proud owner of a White 1998 Eddie Bauer V8 AWD with 35k miles and ALL the options. I have only driven it 30 miles but I already love it. Alot smoother and a LOT more power than my 92 and I havn't even put my foot all the way into it yet...

I chose the 98 EB over the 00 XLT because I got it for about 1000 less and I like the looks a lot better than the Dark Blue XLT. In the first 30 miles I have averaged 16.3mpg(according to the computer... neat) with about 1/2 city driving and a very light foot. Maybe it won't be as bad as I expected...

Thanks for the help and opinions. I thought I might have regrets after trading my 92 that I loved so much but after only 30 miles I know I'll be fine.

 

[Ron Cruz]

GOOD CHOICE

Congrats!!! It's nice to hear you got the E/B if you like yours as much as I do mine you won't miss the 92. When I bought mine I traded in a 91 Navajo and the ride and power of the Navajo is just no match for the E/B.... Good luck with the new truck...........Ron