Hey guys,

Just wanting some opinions going to look at getting a 98 4.0L explorer 4 door with 250,000k on it the 4x4 was rebuilt not to long ago. I was wondering if these things are very reliable. What should I be looking out for and What are some common things on these vehicles to go. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Only issue I have had with any on my exploders is the transmissions.....

 

That is what I am worried about is that it has 250, 000k on it.

 

Is there a better engine outa the two 4.0L that are offered does anyone know what is a common problem with each of them and which one is more common.

Thanks

 

We have 4 ex in the family, 92,94,95 and 97 all are the X engine "OHV", The 92 has >470K and still running strong.

The 97 had cracked heads (casting fissures) fixed temporarily at 180K with "Steel Seal", still together @ 360k.

The "X" engine seems bullet proof.

 

So it is just the transmissions that are week on these things. What about the sohc. which one has the timing chain issues.

 

The SOHC 4.0 are the ones with timing chain issues. I believe there are like 6 timing chains on them. I've got a 98 X motor with 210,000 miles, and only had a couple minor problems with it. It does seem that the X motor is bullet proof.

 

Well that is good to know I have been told mixed reviews about these vehicles.

 

Intake manifold gasket. At around 48,000 miles my 2000 Explorer SPORT with the 4.o V6 tripped the "Check Engine" light. Long story short, seems Ford used a cheap intake manifold gasket, that from engine heat, heating up and cooling down cycles, causes the gasket to get brittle. This causes a vacuum leak which trips the "CE" light. Engine still seems to run fine, except in cold weather, where it takes a bit longer to start.

Good news - seems Ford has corrected the problem with the better quality gasket. I had mine replaced ($388 parts, labor - OUCH! this included an injector cleanup, where they remove and clean the injectors OFF the vehicle, instead of making your catalytic converter filter out the gunk + muck at these FI service where they clean the injectors via a machine with the engine running) and at 83,000+ miles now, the check engine light has not come back on, and the Explorer runs good. Lots of power, pep, starts right up when cold and starts right up when hot (shutting down for a gasoline fill-up after an extended freeway run, for example).

I have had good luck with my Explorer's transmission. I change AT fluid and filter at 25,000 to 30,000 miles whether it looks like it needs it or not, based on what I've read about Explorer transmissions. So far, so good, overdrive works as normal too. Explorer Sport has the factory tow package too, although I don't use it to tow anything with. Adding a transmission cooler is the first thing I would do, if my Explorer didn't have one.

 

Thanks for the info so far. Much appreciated.

 

The 4.0 OHV engine is a great engine that is just a bit short on the fuel economy side. The AWD/4WD seem to need front bearing hubs often.
The HVAC blend doors will sometimes break.
Other than those few issues you have to remember that the reason you see so many of them everywhere is they are great trucks. Good luck with your new, to you, truck.

 

Thanks

What exactly is this door blend I hear so much about.

 

The blend door is behind the radio cluster, and it's basically a small door that moves from one side to another to allow either all cold air, all warm air, or a mix of the two, when your using AC, or just heat.

 

Ok, I got you know.

 

And a pain to replace.