looking at buying explorer
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From: Paola
looking at buying explorer
Im looking at buying an explorer...like a 99-01. Id like to get an 02-04 but have heard theres a lot of problems with them. Im looking for a 4x4...is there a difference between the v6 and v8 as far as reliability? Any other problems I should know about or certain years to stay away from? I know they made awd and 4wd, is one better than the other?
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Las vegas, Nevada.
I own a 2004 4.0 liter V-6. So far so good.
I will tell you that the Ford 4.6 and 5.4 liter engines are very durable. The OHV 4.0 liter V-6 was a very well built engine as well, I doubt the 4.0 liter SOHC is as tough due to the timing chain issues.
I really like the 02 and up styling but I would say that the first generation 92+ were solid vehicles that went the distance.
I will tell you that the Ford 4.6 and 5.4 liter engines are very durable. The OHV 4.0 liter V-6 was a very well built engine as well, I doubt the 4.0 liter SOHC is as tough due to the timing chain issues.
I really like the 02 and up styling but I would say that the first generation 92+ were solid vehicles that went the distance.
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Early SOHC 4.0 motors are a real question mark, as the timing chains tend to fail just after 100k. Your '99-01 model years are subject to this issue.
V8s used to have AWD, no low range. But someone here recently posted about having a low range 4x4 with a V8 in a later model year. The V8 models do not have the same engine and trans issues the 4.0 models do.
An earlier OHV and 4 speed auto was more reliable, but those are so old & high mile now that imo that is not an option for most people.
As for AWD vs. 4x4, what are you going to do with it? If your concern is ice and snow, the AWD will work fine. If you intend to do rougher off road, you will probably want the 4x4 with a low range.
V8s used to have AWD, no low range. But someone here recently posted about having a low range 4x4 with a V8 in a later model year. The V8 models do not have the same engine and trans issues the 4.0 models do.
An earlier OHV and 4 speed auto was more reliable, but those are so old & high mile now that imo that is not an option for most people.
As for AWD vs. 4x4, what are you going to do with it? If your concern is ice and snow, the AWD will work fine. If you intend to do rougher off road, you will probably want the 4x4 with a low range.
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If you look at an 02 or newer model it doesn't matter which engine is in it, they both have the same trans and the same issues. BUT, other than the trans issues, which not all of them ended up with, they are great vehicles and the 4.6 gets much better mileage than the 5.0.
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