Looking at a '95 Explorer Limited. Its pretty rusted in the spare tire area and there is a box there that I can't tell what it is. The body has a little bit of rot under the pass. step. I'm gonna drive it later today but didn't know if there was anything beside listening and feel of the transmission that I should look for. The shocks are super rusted and this has the ride control so are these replaceable or just better to put on a regular pair of shocks. This is for my 15 yr. old to drive soon and hopefully teach him some mechanic know-how. Thanks for any input. BTW they want 1300.00 for it.

 

I had a 97 and it had the rusted box above the spare. It holds the evaporative canister (charcoal canister) that collects gas fumes. Mine was so bad I took it out and cut a milk crate down to fit and put it above the spare. Was like that for probably 5 years without a problem. As for the other rust issues take a real good look underneath because it may have rusty brake and gas lines that can leak/fail at any time. I test drove a 2000 explorer a few years back when truck shopping. Body and interior were very good, rode real nice, loaded. But underneath was rust city. Shocks rusted, exhaust rusted thru, lines not looking good. Price was good but I walked away. Rust will pick your pocket. Good luck