I am looking at another Explorer after owning 3 and am considering a 98 and up 4.0L. I once had a 98 one that needed timing chain and I recall there were issues (and a recall) on them. Which year did the engine get improvements to address that issue? I had to replace that engine to a newer one and it lasted for years after I sold it.

Also what kind of mpg's can a 4.0ll get?

 

Our 98 4.0 gets around 17 on the hwy..I consider that pretty good for 230K 4x4. I have never opened it up except thermostat, starter and rebuilt tranny, hubs and stuff.

Motor has been rock solid.

 

Likewise here, engine has been flawless. 210,000 miles on a 2 wheel drive...20 mpg mostly highway.