1996 Ford Explorer Two door, sun roof, 6 cylinder XL 186,000 miles
I would like to keep it. It runs well, has had shocks replaced but no other major maintenance. I bought it, from a dealer, in 2000 (had about 30,000 miles on it then).
I know there are issues with the O2 sensors but have not replaced them. I use it around town but do pull a trailer (about 2,000 capacity) on occasion.

I am looking for suggestions on what I might do, pro-actively, to make sure it is in good shape. I would like to keep it for another five or more years.

Annual mileage is probably less than 4,000 miles.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

My 93 ran well up to 330k miles then developed a tranny problem. Original trans all that time. I flushed the trans oil every year since it was new. It still ran fine except I didn't want to put a trans into it.

 

I'm not sure where the original poster is from, but if located in a state that exposes vehicles to salt, be sure to keep the paint protected and fix rust as soon as it becomes apparent. Also, regularly check the body drain holes, especially if you have a sunroof, to make sure they are open. The body seam at the rear doors of the 1996 body style will rust from the inside out, accelerated on vehicles with a sunroof. There are sunroof drains near that body seam and if the body drain holes get plugged or restricted, water can accumulate near that seam and quickly start rusting from the inside out.

Stay on top of fluid changes. Brake fluid can/will take on moisture and can cause damage to the brake system, including the ABS pump if your 1996 has ABS. Flush the brake system every couple of years. Engine coolant pH can deviate over time and cause the cooling system to corrode. Flush the cooling system every few years and plan to change the cooling system hoses before they fail. Beyond that is the standard maintenance items. Since you're only driving about 4,000 miles a year with some mild towing, change the oil at least once per year. Keep the fuel tank topped off and make sure your fuel cap is able to maintain pressure on the tank to help keep the fuel from getting really bad quickly. Start the truck up and drive it weekly, making sure to get it up to temperature, to keep the engine and drivetrain lubricated, burn condensation out of the exhaust and oil, and keep the tires from developing too much of a flat spot.

I'm sure there are other tips that folks will offer up (or disagree with).

-Rod

 

Located in SC. I am pretty sure the brakes have not been flushed so that is on my list of things to do in the coming weeks.

It is driven about once a week for 15 or 20 miles. So, that part will continue.

Since I had a water pump failed last year, the coolant was "refilled" but I don't think they flushed it so, I will work on that also.

To my knowledge it does not have ABS

 

alternators and starters last about 175K miles.......... preventative maintenance might say to change them out prior to failure. WE had a 1996 in Illinois and the road salt did some damage.. Crawl under and look at the brake lines and fuel lines under the seats to the rear axle for major rust... Look at the frame rails behind the axle... and the leaf spring hangers for major rust/ damage. I had to repair a lot in this area.