What Should i Buy

[techieman33]

you always had a choice between 2wd and AWD on the v8's, and 2wd and 4wd on the v6's. If you decide to go for a v6 than just make sure it's the sohc, not the ohv. which would mean looking a 97 and later.

 

[Pearlkobra12]

K so to sum it up go for a 97 and up explorer with 4wd...NOT 2wd and it DIDN'T come with AWD unless it had a v8?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

All V8 Explorers & Mountainners were either AWD or 2wd.

The transfer case that was mentioned is what was used in V6 Explorers. Alot of people think "Control Trac" is AWD. IT IS NOT. You can still select 2wd, 4 low & 4 hi with control trac.

Sorry but it pisses me off when people post stuff and don't know what the hell they are talking about.

I also came off rough on the DIS and computer in cars, but when you see your dad that was a mechanic loose his job becuase it was not worth learning the computer stuff because he was close to retirement but far enough away he couldn't work on cars anymore.

 

[Pearlkobra12]

Alrighty then...thanks for the help.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Yeah yeah so you cant turn the distributor and advance the timing but at least the DIS ford stuff is reliable as hell, probably pretty imoprtant to Ford after the TFI module disaster....

OBD_II is top notch for tune-ability IMO

When you grow up on the easyness and much less expensivenss of non-coputer controlled cars it's hard to justify having to by all the crap to tune or "talk" to them.

Yes I'm bull headed and my opinion will never change on this.

 

[97greenmonster]

Subscribing!!

 

[FilLaB0NGo7]

damnit man, I responded to the last post on the first page, I hate when I do that ****, please delete this.

 

[Millertime1987]

Here is an opinion from a fellow Minnesotan. I have the 5.0 and that works amazingly. I have gotten 20 miles to the gallon in my Explorer on good days. On the low end 14. My parents have the sohc 4.0 and with the exception of some axel problems they are haveing that too drives great. I have made numerous trips up to the Northwoods in the winter and my Ex does great. So i would say the 5.0 all the way. You will be depressed with the slower acceleration of the 4.0 otherwise.

 

[410Fortune]

my scanner was $29 and my tuner was $56?? The Laptop I had but you can get a basic used laptop for nothing and the computer you are typing on can also talk to your OBDII computer with the right cable or equipment.

I feel for your dad, I grew up in the 70's and 80's working on cars with my dad too, my first car had points and dual carbs and a manual fuel pump.

Its just evolution of the automobile, the equipment was expensive before obdII if you ask me, OBD-I required scanners and diagnosis equipment specific to each vehicle......talk about expensive

I feel for your dad but this industry is not the only one that changes with the times, my transmission builder is in his late 60's still working 10 hour days and he goes to training sessions at least 3 times a year to keep up with the new stuff...it can be tough to make it thats for sure!!

 

[97greenmonster]

Here is an opinion from a fellow Minnesotan. I have the 5.0 and that works amazingly. I have gotten 20 miles to the gallon in my Explorer on good days. On the low end 14. My parents have the sohc 4.0 and with the exception of some axel problems they are haveing that too drives great. I have made numerous trips up to the Northwoods in the winter and my Ex does great. So i would say the 5.0 all the way. You will be depressed with the slower acceleration of the 4.0 otherwise.

slower acceleration?? the sohc is quicker stock because of the 5 speed, trust me, ive owned both, and timed a zero 2 60, multiple times. ANd the axles are the same, the 8.8. VERY reliable. they are all great motors in an all great SUV. Like ive said before, its a pick and choose.i loved all the x's i had/have, and all three ran like a train and started up everyday. Nothing beats the v8 rumble, and nothing beats the v6s gas millage and 4wd capabilitys. either way you win. so find the best deal you can, and take it. there are always aftermarket addons you can do to make it perform better. you can use mustang parts on both the 5.0 and the SOHC, i believe the SOHC is almost similar to the stangs with minor changes. the SOHC had a tensioner problem, but if your handy, thats a weekend and a few hundered bucks down the drain, and our 5.0 had an exaust leak and drank gas. IMO all cars have faults, its just which ones you see major or not. Sorry for the novel, but no offense to people on this forum, but people can be bias to their x because its theirs. find the one that suits you best, and go from there!! Good luck!
Clay

 

[Millertime1987]

slower acceleration?? the sohc is quicker stock because of the 5 speed, trust me, ive owned both, and timed a zero 2 60, multiple times. ANd the axles are the same, the 8.8. VERY reliable. they are all great motors in an all great SUV. Like ive said before, its a pick and choose.i loved all the x's i had/have, and all three ran like a train and started up everyday. Nothing beats the v8 rumble, and nothing beats the v6s gas millage and 4wd capabilitys. either way you win. so find the best deal you can, and take it. there are always aftermarket addons you can do to make it perform better. you can use mustang parts on both the 5.0 and the SOHC, i believe the SOHC is almost similar to the stangs with minor changes. the SOHC had a tensioner problem, but if your handy, thats a weekend and a few hundered bucks down the drain, and our 5.0 had an exaust leak and drank gas. IMO all cars have faults, its just which ones you see major or not. Sorry for the novel, but no offense to people on this forum, but people can be bias to their x because its theirs. find the one that suits you best, and go from there!! Good luck!
Clay

I totally agree with you. My knowledge of the SOHC Explorers comes from my parents one. They always complain about how slow it is at accelerating mostly compared to mine that has the 5.0. But ultimatly it does come down to what YOU want and "need" at the time of purchase.

 

[tipdrill]

I agree with the posts above. I have a SOHC and it is fast enough for me. I can't keep up with my mom's Saab 9-3 but it sure beats all my friends' economy cars. (and f150 with 4.2 ohv) The only times i have wanted a 5.0 was when i was thinking about getting flowmasters, and of course bragging rights.

 

[97greenmonster]

HAve them turn the ac off, its a whole new world! i also have intake and exaust along with performance plugs and wires!

 

[zippee]

If you buy an SOHC, check BEFORE you buy to see whether all outstanding recalls have been done. That should take care of intake leaks and timing chain issues.<p>

The 5-speed auto is nice, but requires some attention for long life. You can find that info on the forum.

With my X I normally get 18-19 on the commute and a best of 26.5 highway. That's with seafoam and synthetic oil, atf, and gear lube. It makes a lot of difference.

Unless you plan to tow, I don't think you'll miss the torque from the 5.0.