Will she make it?

[benelkman]

hey guys, first post here. I will be making a 500 mile (one way) road trip and am not sure if my explorer will make it. it is a 97 with the 4.0 sohc with 235,000 miles on it. it is running fine but i am worried it just has to many miles for such a trip. any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks! :exp:

 

[colintrax]

Lol you'll be fine. If you're feeling guilty for taking it on such a "long" trip, throw some fuel treatment in the tank and change the oil. Give the old gal a bath to. I take mine thousands of miles from home, and I'm at similar mileage.

 

[benelkman]

ok, thanks that makes me feel better. lol

 

[benelkman]

how many miles do you think this thing will get before it dies?

 

[colintrax]

how many miles do you think this thing will get before it dies?

No way of knowing. Could die tomorrow, could make it to million miles. All depends on how you treat the truck, and keep up on maintance.

However the 4.0 SOHC is known for timing chain problems, and the 5r55e transmission is known to have several problems. So tomorrow is more likely than a million. Just keep an eye out. Timing chain will start making noises before it goes. Transmission will normally start slipping and shifting rough before outright dying.

Keep $1,000 to your name, and you really don't need to worry. $1000 will cover a tow, missing a day of work, and a junkyard engine/transmission. Oh, and always keep a cell phone and charger around


I will say this, I'm a firm believer in positive thinking. If you leave on your trip worried the truck will break down... it will. If you leave trusting your truck to run problem free... it will. Just my 2C

 

[benelkman]

ok, thanks i will keep an eye on it.

 

[njlarry]

Lots of good information here on timing chain tensioner and rear, front hub maintenance. If no abnormal noise you should be fine.
Good luck.

 

[benelkman]

Lots of good information here on timing chain tensioner and rear, front hub maintenance. If no abnormal noise you should be fine.
Good luck.

ok. thanks! i think i came to the rite place.