Thinking about a 2002 Explorer

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 29, 2013 | 01:35 PM

Finally Powerstrokin

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 100

Likes: 10

From: Lexington N.C.

****Thinking about a 2002 Explorer****

Ok so I am a Life Long Ford Fan. I drive a 2002 F250 7.3 Diesel that I call Effie... I love my truck!!! My Girlfriend comes from an all Chevy Family. (Never said she came from a smart Family) She is looking to buy an affordable SUV because we have a new baby and she wants the extra room & she wants to be able to put the boat in and out of the water when we go to our lake house. I found a really good looking 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition for $2500.00 with 107,000 miles. I am going to go look at it and take it for a test drive if or when the current owner calls me back. I decided to google 2002 explorer reviews and now I am thinking twice because there are lots of reviews bashing this year model for transmission and other issues. I wanted to get some feedback from some people who own these vehicles before I jump on this deal..But the main thing is I dont want to have to listen to all of her Chevy lovin family members say "You Should Have Bought a Chevy"

So anyone with some knowledge about this particular model please give me some feedback.

Thanks,

Jan 29, 2013 | 02:27 PM

85e150

Super Moderator

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 34,472

Likes: 2,799

As far as the 2002 goes:

The SOHC 4.0 V6 still has suspect valve chain guides. Listen for bad rattles at cold start up. Some crap at 50k, some around 100-120, some go into the 200s. Regular oil changes help.

First year for IRS. Check tire wear.

Ford still used 3rd world bearing suppliers in the rear axle, listen for axle whine.

5R55 transmissions have fatal flaws. Failures at 75-100k not uncommon. Again, some seem to go forever. Fluid changes every 30k help.

V8 motor is fine.

Switches, minor trim subject to usual wear and tear.

Ball joints up front probably need to be euthanized.

Rack and Pinion steering. Make sure it turns smooth lock to lock.

Mileage is not spectacular, and is about the same V8 or V6.

How big is the boat?

Jan 29, 2013 | 02:41 PM

twiggy1673

New User

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Well i bought 2002 explorer a while back it has the 4.0 in it and gets around 18mpg and has had the transmission rebuilt a new spindle on rear due to previous owner driving with bad wheel bearings and a new rear cv axle shaft because the outer cv joint is not servicable but other than normal upkeep (oil changes ect) i like it and the wife drives it alot

Jan 29, 2013 | 03:12 PM

Finally Powerstrokin

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 100

Likes: 10

From: Lexington N.C.

The Boat is just a 18.5' Crownline with a 3.0 I/O. We would only use it to put the boat in the water and pull it out. we keep the boat at our lake property and cant leave it in the water but its only about 500 yards to the boat ramp. Im not really worried about it pulling the boat. I just dont want it leaving her and the baby on the side of the road. And like I said I dont want to listen to any ford bashing from her dad and brother-in-law... Is the transmissions different with the V8 models?

Jan 29, 2013 | 04:49 PM

twiggy1673

New User

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

i dont think so i think they are the same

Jan 29, 2013 | 05:16 PM

2002sport

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 415

Likes: 0

From: Jerseyville,IL

Transmissions are the same, all the way from the '02's-'05's. Normally, when they go, they won't leave you stranded. They start with rough shifting, or what they call flaring when it shifts. You will have plenty of warning when they start to go, but there are so many on the road, you will mostly read about the ones with problems on here with people trying to find a solution. I bought an '02 Mounty and love it. Runs great and is trouble free. $2500 sounds cheap to me for one with 107,000 miles on it. Even if down the road it needs a tranny, I don't think you'd give too much for it at that price. The V8's are indestructible, the V-6's like said, have their timing chain issues. Engine has to be pulled to get to the rear one.

Jan 29, 2013 | 09:51 PM

steve(ill)

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 11,931

Likes: 180

My 2002 has 165,000 miles and i would not sell for twice that. Replaced all 4 wheel bearing / hubs. New alternator at 140k. Original trans runs great, new oil every 40K. Has the rear axle whine... i think its gear mesh, not bearings. Been that way for 140K miles. IRS is very smooth. Nice truck.