Hi guys, I frequent the old truck board here with my 53 F100. I am looking at a 98 Explorer, 2WD, 4.0L, XLT with 81K miles. It has the leather interior and full power seats. The A/C is out and the drivers door window regulator is acting up. Overall condition is excellent though and I can pick it up for < $3k. Looking to purchase this for my 16 year old daughter.

Was hoping some of you experienced owners could tell me of any known issues with this year range of Explorers or things I should look at before purchasing.

Thanks for your help

Scott

 

I owned a 1993 as the 2nd owner starting @40,000 mi until recently @116,000 mi. It Was Bullet Proof IMO. I would think the few problems I had got better in the newer models. Such as:

1. A rear engine main seal that always lost a few drops, the engine oil was never low or below full at 3,000 changes.

2. I needed an AC Compressor after "my" 13 years @ 500.00 with an independent mechanic.

3. I needed a “Plastic Lifetime Radiator) after my 14 years @ 140.00 + hoses belts and 5 yr coolant.

4. The power window gear-boxes with plastic gears went after 10 + years and I replaced @ 20.00 per front windows.

I had no beef in 15 years towing a boat and firewood. BUT! “I” maintained scheduled needs on time. Knowing or seeing how it was maintained is a big factor. As I said mine had been garaged and was like a new SUV all over from my automotive experience. Finally, It was totaled due to a bad ignition switch that fried the main wiring and dash w/o a visible flame. I knew that was the end of peace of mind and let it go @ 3,700.00 due to the SUV's condition.

Good Luck! jow

 

Hhhmmm, 1998 Exploder. Sounds familiar.

Is it the 4.0 SOHC or pushrod?

There are recent threads here detailing the horrors one can expect with this vehicle.

The SOHC has a poor cam drive set up which requires engine removal to repair, and often causes bent valves or worse when it fails.

The 5 speed auto has "unfixable" flaws in design, and can be limped along with additives in some cases.

Rear differential bearings were sourced from some third world supplier who used unskilled labor in backyard shops.

Rear parking brakes are fragile and stock shoes are expensive. Aftermarket shoes are cheaper, but figure on replacing those with each brake job. You may get lucky.

The SOHC has a maze of hoses that are expensive to change. Heater valves and thermostat housings are weak.

Intake gaskets leak, causing lean codes. Many replace the oxygen sensors, but more thourough diagnostics are required for any code like that.

Depending on miles, much of this is either not going to happen, as some of this didn't effect all models. Or, some will have been fixed. Diff bearings would go at about 60k as I've seen it, for example.

A good set of shocks and a upgrade on the tires makes a more sure-footed driver out of them, as they can be twitchy and feel a bit tippy.

If you scroll down you'll find lots of threads:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...questiion.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-you-buy.html

More of the same here, but links to a shock thread and another good "tell me" thread:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...explorers.html

You will note good comments and long life stories about the OHV motor, so be advised on that.

Also, the seat back recliner lever is in the wrong place and breaks off after a few years, just hope it's adjusted to a position everyone likes. (like ours...)

 

my 08 mountianeer has 183K on the clock. We bought it used at 151K but fairly well taken care of.

Tranny went out at 179K and door lock actuater at just before that. Wheel bearing on passenger side rear when we bought it.

Some bulbs for the dash lights burn out, easy to replace.

Other than pretty dependable.

 

timing chain, tensioners, and lots of money dont do it read on....