What to look for when buying a 2nd gen

[Thelt]

I recently sold my 3rd gen Explorer and I am thinking about picking up a 2nd gen. I can get a good deal on a clean one with around 100k on the clock. On 3rd gens the transmission usually goes out around 100k and the wheel bearings are not far behind. Are these problems on the 2nd gen. I have heard that they are fairly bullet proof but are there specific things to watch out for?

 

[XLT]

What are you looking at a v6 or v8? THe v8 are pretty much bullet proof. THe v6 sohc has timing chain problems. The ohv is pretty hardy to begin with. As long as the truck drives good and makes no unusually sounds you should be good to go.I have the sohc v6 in mine with a 116,000 on it and she runs strong.

 

[Hunz]

Well you are gonna want to watch out for a few big things. First if you want a v6 SOHC you will get more power over the v6 OHV. The SOHC actually has a faster 1/4 mile time than the v8 5.0. The SOHC has a big timing chain issue, I had it and had to get a new engine. Second is when you etst drive one, listen for a rear end whine coming from the differential. Many folks just deal with the noise but I fixed mine( Carrier bearings go bad) 2nd gens and some 3rd gens are notorious for this. I've had a thermostat go bad which is unforseeable and other than that you are good with a 2nd gen

 

[Thelt]

I had the the V6 in my 2002 and it never gave any problems. I did have to rebuild the transmission and replace two wheel bearings. When did they go away from the OHV V6 in favor of the SOHV V6? I can handle a little less power if it means a more reliable motor.

I did some searching on here and saw you can fit 31" tires without a lift on a 2nd gen. Is that correct?

 

[XLT]

The 31 inch tires on stock truck will fit. They got rid of the timing chain rattle by the time the 3rd gens where out. I think they dropped the ohv around 2001 or 2002. I had a 93 with 5sp and ohv and that was a dog. I got a sohc now and the thing really gets up and goes. I would still try to get the sohc becuase it is also is a better engine for higher mpg.

 

[volver]

plan on replaceing

sea foam
2X O2 sensors
EGR sensor
plugs and wires
camshaft position sensor
shocks
sway bar bushings and links
possibily the rear springs
brakes
wipers
lights
oil change and transmmission fluid change
sea foam again

That would cost 700 dollars max

i have replaced my front wheel bearings. It was easy to do other wise runs great