Would you buy it?

[98WARanger]

About a month ago I found a guy in craigslist selling a 1991 Ford Explorer Sport for $500. The guy said it runs and looks great but it wont move. I went to his work, where it is stuck, to have a look at it and he was right it does look great inside and out. I figured if I were to buy it I would have to buy a new or used transmission or get the current one rebuilt. I found a mechanic that is willing to do the work for free as long as I purchase the parts needed and allow him to do it when he is not at work (on his own time). I got the guy who is selling the EX talked down to $200 but I'm still not sure if I want to buy it or not. I really want an explorer to work on and off-road with, but I'm not sure if I am wanting to dive into a transmission problem right away.

So my question is, would you buy it?

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

Look at it this way, if you get an Explorer and go off roading, eventually any transmission in a First Generation will need to be fixed or replaced. They're known for going bad, so I say go for it. 200 dollars plus parts needed to fix it sounds good to me. Especially if it's in decent condition.

You might be able to take a few of the threads you find on this site, to make the A4LD even stronger then stock. That way you'd have the best possible setup on teh trails.

 

[98WARanger]

yeah I have been reading about the Frankentranny.

 

[marragtop]

When you say it won't move, what happens when you put it in any of the gears? Either way, $200 sounds like a good deal if you can get the trans fixed reasonably.

 

[wood1]

It's only $200, I'd buy it and figure out what the issue is. Might be something cheap to fix. If not, you have a buddy that'll fix the tranny cheap. You're good to go either way!

 

[fordktpjoe]

It's only $200, I'd buy it and figure out what the issue is. Might be something cheap to fix. If not, you have a buddy that'll fix the tranny cheap. You're good to go either way!

Heck yeah! $200 is chump change! I'd be all over that thing, even if I had to pay a shop to do the tranny!

 

[corkey]

hey , look at it this way , if he is willing to sell it to you for $200,buy it,
than go looking around for another that has a trans that works , but the body is shot ,and make the 2 into 1 truck for next to nothing,,
lots of guys have old ones that are in really bad shape in the body department , but drive fine,, you just found the one with the acceptable body condition first ,

 

[mikeinri]

If the body is good and the engine runs well, for $200 it would be hard to pass up. Check all the usual spots for body rot (especially inside the door panels for the back seat).

One other thing to consider, once you get it moving, there could be other problems (brakes, steering, suspension, etc.).

But, the engine alone is probably worth the $200...

BTW, how many miles?

Good luck!

Mike

 

[wharriso]

Yup!

 

[Mickelsons]

Buy it, worst case you could part it out and make money off it.

 

[Four0Sport]

im kinda curious as to what the truck is doing to 'not move'? will it not go anywhere in any gear you put it in? does it just sit there and rev? b4 you do all the work to remove the tranny try putting it in 4wd Lo and see if it moves then. if the transfer case is busted in the 4hi mode youll get symptons like a busted tranny.

 

[98WARanger]

Wow, this appears to be a fairly popular thread. It seems like you all feel I should buy it and give it a try. I told the guy this AM that I would take it so I guess I am locked in. He is getting it towed to my house sometime in the next few days. I will start experimenting with it after it arrives here. you all have given me some great places to start. I will check these areas and get back with you all.

Thanks, keep the ideas, suggestions and opinions coming.

 

[Tbars4]

...What tranny does it have??? The 5 speed stick or the a4ld???

 

[HahnsB2]

Buy it, throw the A4LD in the garbage where it belongs and M5OD it, then enjoy countless miles of trouble free driving.

 

[98WARanger]

it's the A4LD, and I do want to do the M5OD swap eventually. (When I fond the parts and money).

 

[SPORTEXP]

I gotta agree with the others, go for it..

 

[98WARanger]

As soon as the guy gets back into town the sport is mine.

 

[98WARanger]

So today while looking for transmission swap vehicles I ran into a great deal. I will buy the $200 sport no matter what I decide, but now I found a guy selling a 1992 four door explorer for $500. It has a blown head gasket in it's 4.0 engine but a great rebuilt transmission. So I was thinking buy it and either use the transmission in my sport or the 4.0 from the sport into the 4 door. What do you all think I should do? Any suggestions?

 

[wood1]

That's the way to do it. Quite possible that it's a cracked head though, not a gasket.

Either way, it's a cheap parts vehicle.

 

[98WARanger]

Even if it's a cracked head I'm not interested in the engine if I use the explorer with the bad engine I would put the 4.0 from the sport into it. But I am leaning towards taking the transmission from the 4 dr for the sport, but I'm not sure. I really like the look of the 4 dr, but all I really need is a sport. So I am open to suggestions.