V8 Explore/Mountaineer
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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 11
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From: Livingston NJ
V8 Explore/Mountaineer
I am looking to buy a V8 Explorer. Can someone give me an overview of the years that the 5.0 v8 was available and any tips on what to look for or what years are best?
Thanks
Ray
Thanks
Ray
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7
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Ray, I have 127,000 miles on it. Let's see, I had to put a new steering rack on, my fault, off-roaded a little to hard, had to replace the IAC Valve, no big deal, now as I type, I am experiencing a "Blend Door" problem. Seems to be a common problem. I was surfing this site for a fix and that's how I found your post. Other than that, no real problems. This SUV is great.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
I would recommend getting the V8 over the V6. You will see the extra power, and only be off on gas mileage by about 1mpg. Plus, the V8 is a lot easier to modify if you want to make even more power.
I have a 97 with 167,000 miles. I have not had the first problem out of the Explorer. About 5,000 miles ago, I had to rebuild the rearend, and that was just because I do a lot of towing. I pull anything from an 8ft utility trailer, to my 2 jet skis, to an 18ft flatbed trailer with a 5,000lb John Deere on it.
I think you would be happy with a V8. My only regret is that I did not get an AWD - and that is just because of the area I recently moved to (lots of snow)...
I have a 97 with 167,000 miles. I have not had the first problem out of the Explorer. About 5,000 miles ago, I had to rebuild the rearend, and that was just because I do a lot of towing. I pull anything from an 8ft utility trailer, to my 2 jet skis, to an 18ft flatbed trailer with a 5,000lb John Deere on it.
I think you would be happy with a V8. My only regret is that I did not get an AWD - and that is just because of the area I recently moved to (lots of snow)...
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 819
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From: Denver USA
The V8 Explorer started in 1995. Now the 2nd Gen. X from 1995-2001 offers the 5.0/302ci V8 which pushes 215bhp & only comes in 2WD or AWD. The 3rd Gen. X starting in 2002 offers the 4.6L/281ci V8 which pushes 239bhp and comes in 2WD, 4WD or AWD.
I have 73K on the X now and have only had one major issue with it. The problem is performance related which Ford nor any independent shop has been able to find the problem. I've had this issue for 1 1/2yrs and still no shop has been able to determine the issue.
I have plenty of friends & family members with an X, and none have had any major issue asrise other then mine.
The X is great, just wish I could resolve the issue I currently have.
I have 73K on the X now and have only had one major issue with it. The problem is performance related which Ford nor any independent shop has been able to find the problem. I've had this issue for 1 1/2yrs and still no shop has been able to determine the issue.
I have plenty of friends & family members with an X, and none have had any major issue asrise other then mine.
The X is great, just wish I could resolve the issue I currently have.
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14
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From: northeast
I have 160,000 miles , only magor problems are blend door ( fixed ) and rattle in front end that I'm working on. very pleased.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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I wanted the V8 engine in my explorer but for insurance reasons i couldnt...even for an older one. Insurance is BS, it was like $300 extra a year but $400 extra a year for a V8 mustang. Total bs. I think i have enough power in my 4.0 SOHC anyway right now. So far have Cold air induction and a Borla cat-back
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 53
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From: Monterey
I have a 97 Explorer XLT V8 AWD, nice SUV with great power. Lots of potential for performance mods. I have a Superchip module, air intake kit, flowmaster exhaust, headers, high flow cats, 4 qt. extra capacity ATF pan, Bilstein shocks, and 31" tires. The only problem I have experienced to date were cracked exhaust manifold, broken clock spring assembly and recent bad emission test results. Changed the O2 sensors/cats and passed the CA smog test the other day. It has great towing power and is very gutsy. I love this Explorer! It's a Mustang in Explorer clothing : )
I share the same need as MUSTANGSVT for the 2005 Mustang -- can't wait! I'll be the first one in line at the Ford assembly line!
I share the same need as MUSTANGSVT for the 2005 Mustang -- can't wait! I'll be the first one in line at the Ford assembly line!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 370
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Yep...i just had the whole auto-transmission replaced in my 99 6-banger mustang i have now from doing donuts in the sunmmer (yeah kinda crazy)...wasnt worth doing a rebuild. So im gonna sell this. At least i had the insurance taken off while i was at college. I added a lot to it, Borla exhaust (flowmaster original but it sucked), BBK Cold air and some other nice things. Not too many miles on it either about 40,000. Always took good care of it w/ Mobil 1.
Anyway yeah that new mustang is killer! :
hopefully i can save enough to get the v6 or even v8 this time. To get V8 i have to sell my explorer though 
Also, do you run premium unleaded with your Superchip?
Anyway yeah that new mustang is killer! :
hopefully i can save enough to get the v6 or even v8 this time. To get V8 i have to sell my explorer though Also, do you run premium unleaded with your Superchip?
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 90
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I got a 98 Merc Mountaineer, Black/grey. V8 5.0 liter engine. 160K miles on it. Nothing major other than replacing stuff.
New:
Spark plugs/w wires
engine belt
all new fuel injectors...YES!!!
Larger tires
New radio ( still having FM/AM w/ cassette/CD player)
I do alot of out-of-town driving. That's where most of my miles come from. Since I had the plugs and injectors replaced.....that thing kicks!! It even sounds like a mustang!!!!!!!!! I do want to upgrade the exhaust system though...
M40
New:
Spark plugs/w wires
engine belt
all new fuel injectors...YES!!!
Larger tires
New radio ( still having FM/AM w/ cassette/CD player)
I do alot of out-of-town driving. That's where most of my miles come from. Since I had the plugs and injectors replaced.....that thing kicks!! It even sounds like a mustang!!!!!!!!! I do want to upgrade the exhaust system though...
M40
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
Well, it may not seem like its missing a beat, but it could be and you might not hear it. If it says premium unleaded only, probably should just use that. Only time i would get a superchip is if i had a powerstroke (not that ill get one) because they give more power upgrade than gas