2004 Explorer

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 20, 2018 | 06:05 AM

rob8210

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 323

Likes: 8

2004 Explorer

Hi fellas . Rob here from the 73- 79 truck forum. I am looking at a 2004 Explorer for a commuter vehicle. Is there any issues I should watch for with these? Thanks

May 20, 2018 | 11:08 AM

Misky6.0

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 5,420

Likes: 16

From: Ouray, CO

Stick with the v8.
The trans is a weak spot even with the v8, had to replace ours @ 52k miles.

May 20, 2018 | 06:32 PM

1browski

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 2,253

Likes: 345

Ive had an 04 since new. Never had any problems with it, knock on wood. It has about 170000 on it. It has the v6 in it.

May 23, 2018 | 06:19 AM

78 PEB

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 2,674

Likes: 16

From: Ideeho

I just bought an 04 V8 Eddie Bauer with 190.000 miles on it. It had a check engine light on which was a misfire on #6 and the A/ C didn't work. Put a new coil on #6 and recharged the A/C. It runs and drives like a new one. It appears to have been very well maintained before I got it and I will continue to maintain it. It is the 1st V8 I have had but have had GREAT luck with numerous V6 Rangers and Explorers. I expect this one to last a long time too. I have been wondering if there is anything to watch for in particular too. It is also my first experience with the Independent rear suspension.

May 23, 2018 | 06:30 AM

Misky6.0

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 5,420

Likes: 16

From: Ouray, CO

The manual a/c is less prone to blend door issues. Our auto hvac blend door fell off blocking air flow. Luckily, a YouTube video showed how to pull it out to "fix" it, we now always have a mixed outside/recirc combination of air.

May 25, 2018 | 06:46 AM

rob8210

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 323

Likes: 8

Well I got the Explorer out for a test drive , and it drove well. The only issue was it gave quite a clunk when I put it reverse ( automatic transmission) , I hope that isn’t a sign of transmission issues.

May 27, 2018 | 03:27 PM

FordmanNJ

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 1,729

Likes: 80

From: New Jersey

My 2 cents is on par with most on here. The trans seems to be a weak link. I know mine has had a slight delay in going into Reverse. However, I have had a blend door issue. Numerous wheel bearings front and back. Early this year it was the rear failing which got replaced. Overall I had the SUV since 2009 and bought it with 68K. I just clicked over 169,500 miles. Outside of some annoying repairs, it has been pretty much tires, oil changes, and brakes due to living on a steep hill.