Hi all! Looking into buy first time a explorer, 1993 to 1999 year. All I'm mostly finding is 6 cyclinder motors. Was there differant 6 cyclinder motors and if so which motor would be best. Same goes for the transmissions (auto.). Want to use it for running around into town, light use. I am mixed about needing a 4x4. Thanks for any input!

 

I'll move this to the Explorer forum for more comprehensive answers. The V6 used was the 170 hp 4.0, and starting in '97 the 205 hp SOHC 4.0 was available as an option along with an optional 5-speed auto trans.

There was also an optional 5.0 V8 model available starting in '96.

If anyone has anything to add (or correct me on!) feel free...!

 

The 4.0l is a good engine and will last a long time with care. Personally I would rather have the SOHC (210/245) 4.0l due to extra power but theres nothing wrong with the OHV (160/225) 4.0l just less power. You may not even need the extra HP just driving around town. The automatic trans is by far the most common in the Explorers, especially after 94'. IMO one of the best Explorers for around town driving (unless you have quite a few kids) is the 2-door Explorer Sport, I really like them.

You can find some info here. Ford Explorer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Earlier models have the OHV 4.0 and a 4 speed OD automatic.

The trans is a bit weak, but they have been known to go well over 100k.

'97 brought the SOHC and 5 speed automatic. Both are trouble. The engine has a cobbed up cam drive system that eats tensioners, and you can look for engine failure somewhere in the 100 to 150k range. As always, some go longer, some don't. I don't know what is wrong with the trans, but it is failure prone as well.

Rear axle bearings seemed to have been sourced from some backyard foundry supplier in some 4th world country, as they are prone to failure. If they aren't making noise at 70k, they've either been replaced or were good to begin with.

FWIW, in that model year range, I'd look for a 5.0 AWD. They use the 4R70W trans, and the AWD will keep you straight when you hit the loud pedal on a wet road.

I got 15.5 mpg in mixed lead-footed driving with the SOHC and 5 speed auto & 4wd.

They are twitchy on the highway, so beware of that--you adjust quickly, and the tire pressure makes a big difference, so you can fool with that a bit to get a good feel.

Buy it right, as the "little things", like any used vehicle, can add up.

 

160k and still going strong with ohv 4.0. Eng, trans,rearend no big problems. Replaced upper intake o-rings couple of years ago for lean code. Did it myself with verbal assistance from mech. lower ball joints to pass insp. although it drove same after. Guess too much play. The sohc eng seems a little more troublesome what with the long timing chains. Been checking mpg which makes me drive easier and got almost 19mpg on a tank of gas. Checked it thru about 4 tankfuls and lowest was 17.3.

 

THANK YOU all for your time! Sure has helped me out a lot!!
Again Thank you!!