What's wrong with YOUR Ex?

[DarkMan]

I've got a friend in the market for an SUV. He's the consumer reports kind of guy and wants to know what you guys have experienced with your 94-97 Explorers.

He's not apt to lift it or swap axels or anything, but he does want to get an idea of what to look out for as far as lemons go.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Heath]

My 96 has been a gem for the first 20K that I've owned it... Its sitting at 74K now... Still runs great...

 

[kvo]

'91 - '94 is the old squarish body style.
'95 - current is the roundish body style.

'91-'94 has some issues with transmission around 70k miles.

'95 - '00 has some issues with the cam tensioner. However, there is a TSB issued by Ford for free replacement and repair of all involved parts from these years.

For low cost (<$8k), look for an EB '94, you can find great bargains. If there is one with a rebuilt transmission and engine, even better. If he wants to build it up latter, there's a ton of lift options available.

For medium cost (<$18k), look for an XLT or EB '98-'99, these can be had for a good price because of the Firestone scare. These could also be lifted relatively easy compare to the '95-'97, and there are lift kits available for these ('98-'01).

 

[DarkMan]

Thanks for the input.

Anyone else have specific problems with, say, 95-98?

What about the "auto" 4x4 in the later models?

Also, does anyone know the axle code (on the vehicle data sticker inside the door).

I know I've got a '94 with a 3.27 ratio and the axle code is 41. What's the code for the 3.73 and up?

 

[Jason94sport]

Should note the tranny problems are with the Auto. The 5 speed manual is fine. I haven't owned my 94 long enough yet. I bought it used with 52K miles has 57K miles now. So far it's been fine.

 

[Steve94LTD]

My explorer had the tranny start going @ 78k miles too..

 

[DarkMan]

Thanks (Steve and Jason). That's really seems odd to me. I'm not saying that I doubt you.

I bought my '94 at 72k miles (and it was only 18 months old!). It now has 155k and the tranny has never hick-uped. The only thing I've had is my power steering box leaks like a stuck pig.

The friend of mine that's looking is looking in the 95 to 98 range.

Thanks for you input though!!

 

[kvo]

Oh yeah, tell your friend if he decides to buy an Explorer, not to check out this site! It's very addictive!

JK, it's the best site, bar-none. I can't thank Rick enough for putting up this site and all the moderators for keeping up with the great work. It's very appreciated.

 

[mrsteve]

My Explorer has 155,000 miles on it and the only major problem I've had with it is the brakes. The front pads seem to wear exceptionally fast. The ABS seems a little wierd too. My A/C is dead I think, too. Oh and the 4x4 transfer case shift motor is shot. I guess that's a major problem too. But the engine and tranny are stock, never rebuilt or replaced and they seem to be working fine (knock on wood).

Steve

 

[rydinhigh]

I have a 95 and only little minor things have gone wrong with it. rear door handles (the teeth broke) starter, oil press sensor and thats pretty much about it. oh btw im also selling mine. 12k email me rydinhigh@thepike.net if interested.

 

[neemaghannadi]

I have a 98 sport. So far my transmission has died and my car has over heated. Luckily I got the new trans under warranty.

 

[PLRBEAR]

I've got a 95 4x4 EB, 120,000+miles. Bought it used. Only had a binding tie-rod on one side, otherwise it's all good.
I just had to perform some maintenance stuff (changed rotors,pads,coolant,thermo, wires,plugs,oil,trans & diff. fluids etc).
The cam tensioner problem only applies to Explorers with the SOHC engine. The 4.0 OHV is ROCK SOLID and proven over time.

 

[beaston1]

i have a 94 explorer with exactly 100,000 miles on it! and my dad and i have loved for every one of those miles. no real problems with it and the 4 wheel drive hasnt given me to many problems either. The transmission and engine have done great and the thing still has great pickup power. Oh and there is as difference from the later model ex's. I hate their awd and 4wd systems. the new ones just suck horendously off-road and I'd diffenitaly tell your friend to go with a 94 with a little less milage than mine.

 

[Heath]

Originally posted by beaston1
i have a 94 explorer with exactly 100,000 miles on it! and my dad and i have loved for every one of those miles. no real problems with it and the 4 wheel drive hasnt given me to many problems either. The transmission and engine have done great and the thing still has great pickup power. Oh and there is as difference from the later model ex's. I hate their awd and 4wd systems. the new ones just suck horendously off-road and I'd diffenitaly tell your friend to go with a 94 with a little less milage than mine.

You may want to rethink your statement about the later model ex's... I have a 96 V8 AWD (No 4LO) and I get out there and run just fine... Now can I keep up with a early model ex with a 5.5" superlift & bigger tires, well no... But with a stock X I dare you to go places without me... And I've got many people here in CO that will back me on that statement... Not much will stop me from trying... Tell you what bring your first gen out here for the CCR run and I'll show you how horendus the 95-2K's are offroad...

 

[CoreyP]

Did I get a dud?

Hi all.
I saw the subject line to the post and had to reply. The timing is ironic. I really like my '99 Sport with the SOHC 4.0, but I think it's had more than it's share of problems. What do you guys think? Too many problems, or a whiny owner?

At 300 miles I had the speedo replaced- it wouldn't work until you hit 25.

I got the hood latch and cruise control recalls, although I was clean on both.

I had the phantom wiper issue around 20k. They'd come on randomly. Ford replaced my GEM and switch.

The driver seat recline lever bent really badly, so it was replaced under a TSB.

For a while the auto 4x4 would come on randomly. I only noticed it on corners (parking lots and such). The dealer couldn't find anything. It hasn't done it for a long time now.

The front output seal on the tcase went out at about 32k. Ford pulled the tcase to replace the seal, and found some broken teeth on a sprocket.

I've had a ticking kind of noise in the engine (sounds like valve clatter to me) at 2500rpm under moderate load for a very long time. Ford says all the 4.0s have it and it's normal. I don't buy it though.

I recently (just out of warranty) developed a thunk in the driveline when going from park to reverse or drive. The dealer says the splines on the rear output flange were made sloppy, and have worn a little. They'd be happy to replace it for about $400, since I'm out of warranty. I'm still thunking along since they told me it shouldn't fail for a very long time.

Just today I found an oil puddle in the garage. Looked into it and found the rear diff input seal has gone. I bet that's not a cheap fix. I can't wait to call the dealer Monday.

Well that's my complaint list. I don't think I left anything major out. I consider the tire thing a plus myself. I get free tires, just about when I need a set. Pretty cool. So am I just unlucky, or is this normal? I got rid of my Contour, bought new, to get the Explorer partly because the Contour had so many problems and it was running out of warranty....

 

[DarkMan]

Corey, I'd say you got more than your share. Either that or you got MY share. My 94 has never had serious problems like that and I'm over 155k now. My steering gear box is in bad shape, leaking like crazy, but it has an easy explaination. I'm the second owner and the first put tranny fluid in the steering pump. I quess it's cheaper, but tranny fluid desolves the seals.

Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their input. Anyone else had problems with the auto 4x4 like Corey?

 

[David WA]

I wouldn't buy another one....

I personally will never buy another Ford product. After buying a used (rental) '98 XLT and having nothing but troubles then finally transmission failure, I wrote it off to being a rental. I love the style, handling, everything about the Explorer, matches our life style perfectly. It is an awesome rig....So that said, bought a brand new '99 XLT and decked it out with Yakima rack, grill/brake light guards, the whole shot. To make a long story short it has been in the shop a total of 22 days within the first few years of ownership. (Working towards the WA state lemon law!) Everything from oil leaks, timing chain tensioner replacement to hub seal and power stirring troubles , you name it. I take care of my equipment and am probably more prudent than most. I am simply appalled by the craftsmanship of this vehicle. Next time I will either buy Nissan or Toyota without a doubt. This is just my opinion and am also venting but I firmly feel you will be sorry if you buy Ford. I know I am and would trade it in a flash if I didn't lose my butt.

Thanks for listening! You guys run a great page, tons of great information. I am more of a "hidden" viewer, don't post much at all.

 

[kilroy]

Hmm 97 XLT V8 AWD. Runs great, brakes are a little on the weak side by design though. I use it for heavy duty towing a 7000 LB horse trailer and have logged many many miles pulling it, hence the weak brake statement.

Other than the noise of the drive train and the fact it guzzles gas through a fire hose, average is 13 MPG, it has been very reliable for me. I have noticed a light exhaust leak from the manifold lately, but it is covered under my warranty. I've got 61K+ on it so far and it needs some major maintenance, but other than that I havent put any repair work into it in the 2 years I've owned it.

 

[CoreyP]

Dud update

Hey all,
Since I was busy venting last time, I thought I should post an update. Maybe it will help someone else. I took my X in for the pinion seal replacement. While I was there, I asked them about the slip yoke needing lubricated. They said that some of the do, but not very many. When I took one of the guys for a cruise through the lot, he said my "thunk" sounded like it might be a slip yoke.
Well, the replaced the pinion seal and lubed the slip yoke. The thunk is completely gone- I can't even get it when I try. Now I really think the slip yoke binding up is what ate my pinion seal. So the problem is solved, but I'm a bit miffed that the dealer told me my thunk was a $400 repair that could wait. Well, the flange replacement they wanted me to do wasn't the problem, but since it was incorrectly ID'ed I had to pay $100 for a pinion seal. I think I'll ask them about that this week.
By the way, I would have never known about the slip yoke problem if I hadn't seen it on here, so thanks guys!

 

[regassert]

I've had my '97 XLT SOHC for almost four years now, knock on wood, no problems. I think with Fords, if you make it through the first year ok, the Truck will be fine; but if you encounter problems during year 1, then lookout.