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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
Hi, I am on my 3rd explorer and looking to get my first 4x4 and needs to pull a trailer. After reading through and scooping out data I believe the 3rd generation is the best. I currently have a 2007 v8. My husband is not mechanically interested in DYI repairs so I am trying to do my best to find the best year. I think the 2009 V8 4x4 is the best. There seem to be controversy around the 2010...? I do want to add a slight lift but I don't think that is a factor is it? Thanks for your feed back.
What is wrong with your current Explorer? I put the 2006-2010 V8 Explorers as some of the best made. I owned 3rd gen Explorers and, IMO, the 4th gens are better. Also, the 3rd gen models all come with the 5R55 transmission which is well known for its high rate of failures. Of the 4th gens the 2009-2010 models are better than the 2006-2008 models. Below is an excerpt from a previous post I made regarding this topic.
Get a 2009 or 2010 V8. The reasons are:
The V8 is more reliable than the V6 and doesn't have the timing chain issues.
The V8 doesn't require removal of the engine to replace the chains and guides, if necessary.
The V8 has the six speed transmission which is more robust and reliable than the five speeds used in the V6s.
The V8 gets the same gas mileage as the V6 and has a good bit more power.
The 2009 and 2010 V8 models have the newer design spark plugs so the chance of breaking them during replacement is lower.
The wiring insulation appears to be better and does not deteriorate like it can on the 2006-2008 models.
The 2009 and 2010 V8 models have the beefier 6R80 transmission that has a higher torque rating than the 6R60 transmissions in the 2006-2008 V8 models.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a V6 3rd or 4th gen model unless it had well under 100k miles on it. Even then I would immediately install a pre-oiler to limit the odds of a timing chain/guide failure. Also, the V6s have the five speed transmissions that are almost guaranteed to need a rebuild as the miles rack up over 100k. There are still plenty of V8 models to buy but you have to be patient to snag a good one. My advice is to buy one that hasn't lived in the rust belt. Even if you have to travel to find one. Lastly, a Carfax report will tell you where a vehicle has spent the majority of its life and give you some info on maintenance history and might indicate collision damage.
Thanks for all the info. I am keen on watching where the vehicle have been nationally.
My 2007 V8 has done well pulling our old 19' trailer and should do okay with our newer 26 ft. My main reason for a new explorer is to have a 4x4. My husband takes us off roading and with our beefier tires we do ok on moderate terrain but it is pretty scary as we have bottomed out, lost traction and had to turn back and leave the parties when in groups because our explorer isn't outfitted for the roads . I would like to get the new one lifted but all that is for a who new thread search.
Are you planning to have 2 of them or replace the 07 with 09-10 ?
I am not sure you would gain much going into later years except of the things Eddie nicely summarized.
I am not sure 26 is a good size for the Exp. I have towed many trailers with my 06.
19' TT was no brainer, piece of cake.
Then I rented a 22 footer once and it was a perfect size but I think that would be the biggest I'd tow with Ex
26 footer may be too long for a short Ex wheelbase.
Also, when shopping make sure you get the v8 with the tow package with the 2" receiver. Many of the v8 came without it and are rated just for 3500lbs with the 1.25" receiver in the back.
In my opinion, if you want to tow a bigger trailer and do some offroading, a 1/2 ton truck would be a better solution since you can find lift kits very easily.
The explorers don't have a good aftermarket choices.
If you are sold on the Explorer then I would stay with a 4th gen V8 due to its more robust drive train. It is the same one that is in the F150 for the same model years. Preferably a 2009-2010 model for the reasons I mentioned above. Also, the 4th gen V8s have 50-60 more horsepower than the 3rd gen V8s and it gets better gas mileage. Explorer_PL gave you good advice. You might consider going with a truck or a bigger SUV like a Suburban, Expedition etc.
If you are sold on the Explorer then I would stay with a 4th gen V8 due to its more robust drive train. It is the same one that is in the F150 for the same model years. Preferably a 2009-2010 model for the reasons I mentioned above. Also, the 4th gen V8s have 50-60 more horsepower than the 3rd gen V8s and it gets better gas mileage. Explorer_PL gave you good advice. You might consider going with a truck or a bigger SUV like a Suburban, Expedition etc.
If you are sold on the Explorer then I would stay with a 4th gen V8 due to its more robust drive train. It is the same one that is in the F150 for the same model years. Preferably a 2009-2010 model for the reasons I mentioned above. Also, the 4th gen V8s have 50-60 more horsepower than the 3rd gen V8s and it gets better gas mileage. Explorer_PL gave you good advice. You might consider going with a truck or a bigger SUV like a Suburban, Expedition etc.
Hi Eddie,
Thank you for the info. We took our explorer towing our trailer up to our local mountains. We are now rethinking a Suburban. Back to the research table for that.
