What to look for when buying a 92?

[farmtruckman]

I am considering buying a 92 4 dr XL with Manual Trans, & 4.0 for my youngest. What should I look for exclusive to problems with that year (80K miles)? I have a 95 already with over 150K so am well familiar with X's. Just not the first gen models. Beyond the normal mechanicals I know to look for, anything prone on the first gens that I should be on guard for?

Any suggestions, greatly appreciated.
FTM

 

[LBarr2002]

First of all, it can't possible ONLY have 80,000 miles on it. They don't have a 100,000 digit, so it could be 180K, or 280K, anything. You should verify the milage by title, carfax, whatever. If its 4wd, you need to check the transfer case shift motor and hubs, they are a common failure. Its not an auto transmission, so that's not a worry. These motors are very reliable, not much to worry about with them.

 

[marragtop]

Radius arm bushings are also a problem on the Gen I's. Also look for rust in the rear quarters and dog legs. I agree on the miles as state above. It could very well be 180k, not 80k. If you are buying it from a dealer they should be willing to run a carfax for you. If you want to give me the vin, I can run it for you. Good Luck.

 

[mrboyle]

Other things to look for are coolant leaks at the front of the intake or the timing cover, as well as rear brake function (the RABS valve is known to rust soild eliminating rear brake function). A quick road test on a dirt road will tell you all you need to know about the brakes. If the front tires lock up easily (under normal/ moderate brakeing) the RABS valve is bad.

 

[Nedwreck]

Leaky valve covers. Not a huge problem, but worth a mention.

 

[farmtruckman]

92 XL Expectations

Guys, thanks for the quick response. Kid now convinced X is right so this weekend will probably do the test drive thing. The owner (2nd owner, bought in 93) says that mileage is correct and has a reciept history to back up. I will check out though and Marragtop, may take you up on that if car checks out in other areas. Good thought on leaky valve covers, they leak and I will have to replace them first before the kid takes it. Everything else, so far... checks out. Weather out here in E. WA is cold, snow in winter but not too corrosive on cars. Again, all of you, thanks alot. I'll post if and when we take the leap.

Part of me wants him to get it since I have had great luck with my 95 (original owner) but it would also mean that I would have to work on two X's now. Not sure I can fit that in between all of the other projects I keep picking up.

Thanks,
FTM

 

[LBarr2002]

You don't necessarily need to replace the valve covers. Try tightening the bolts first, fixed mine.

 

[92explorer]

First of all, it can't possible ONLY have 80,000 miles on it. They don't have a 100,000 digit, so it could be 180K, or 280K, anything.

Not true...my '92 is at 89xxx miles right now. I know it's accurate because I'm the second owner and the original owner kept all the maintenance records. Older Explorers with low mileage do exist.

 

[Explodr94]

A/C compressors like to go bad on all fords of that era.

 

[yostyexplorer94]

First of all, it can't possible ONLY have 80,000 miles on it.

I knew a lady a couple of years ago, before she passed away, who had a 1994 4 door Automatic Eddie Bauer Edition with 40,000 miles on it. She was the original owner of it and the thing was garaged kept. It always amazed me cause an explorer that well kept is impossible to come by. The sad thing is I don't know what ever became of it

 

[LBarr2002]

We sold an '84 suburban in '98 with only 65,000 miles on it. So yeah, they can exist. Just be skeptical.

 

[boggs1227]

father just bought a 92' rv with 67k on it ...they are there ...not many tho

 

[68amc]

I have a 1992 Eddie (the white one) with 44,x.. original miles on it. I bought it from the original owner this year. Perfect condition, it sat in garage alot. Bought it for $1200 because he had to turn his licence in. But my parents bought a 1992 Eddie (the gold one) brand new. Has 197,x.. on original engine & tranny . The things that go wrong: Weak HVAC system, neither eddie blows cold. Radius arm bushings been covered. Gas tank float is a horrible design so check that. Rust on rockers and dog legs was covered. Other than that go for it.

 

[Albino 94LTD]

Farm man, I'd be curious if it has the freeway vibration. If it does, there's very little you can do about it except convert to SAS.

If you want to know more about the vib, pm me.

BTW, I'll be over that way on the 15th touring the LT Murry Wildlife area with Jerry and the Pacific NW Backroad Drivers http://www.pnwadventures.com/forum/trip-planning/12996-more-l-t-murray-11-15-08-a-3.html