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Jun 4, 2004 | 12:59 PM

prginocx

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Mountain Pass

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 141

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From: Beaverton

Help on Explorer

I'm in the market for a '92 to '99 Ford Explorer 4 dr SUV. What are the best reliability engine / tranny combination in this class and age range ? V6 or V8 ?

I don't need much towing capacity...maybe 1500 lbs. Are some years better than others ?

Jun 4, 2004 | 03:12 PM

mrshorty

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Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 3,742

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From: UT

Best reliability seems to be the V8 + 4R70W, which was available from '96 on. The only "loss" IMO is the AWD system on the V8 Explorers is completely out of the driver's control, and doesn't come with a low range. For most people, this isn't a problem. The V8 will get a little bit worse gas mileage than the V6's, but in practice it doesn't seem to be that different.
The 4.0 SOHC V6 has had a couple of "owner notification programs" (not quite a recall, but that sort of thing) that sort of cut into its reliability rating.
Both the 4.0 OHV and the 4.0 SOHC use transmissions in the A4LD family. These transmissions have been improving over the years, but I don't think they've quite proven themselves to be as reliable as the 4R70W.
Bottom line: If reliability/longevity is the most important consideration, your best bet in an Explorer will be a '96-'99 5.0 L V8.

Jun 4, 2004 | 04:06 PM

70TorinoGT

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Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 16

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The 91-94 models love to eat brake pads, have weak transmissions, and usually have vibration problems. They are a nice and great looking vehicle but do have their bugs (but what doesn't). I loved my 94 but after an overheating problem, it started nickeling and diming me. I traded it to a 2004, more power but still getting use to the new 5 speed auto transmission.

Jun 4, 2004 | 08:54 PM

JerNla

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 275

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From: Louisiana

Like Mrshorty said, a 96-99 5.0L would be a better bet. They do tend to have a better tranny and I do believe in either 97 or 98 model year the V8 got 5 more Hp not much but something to think about!

Jun 5, 2004 | 03:51 AM

stonem77

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 60

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I agree definatlely stay away from the sohc they seem to be time bombs. I have a 95 with ohv 4.0 engine, beautiful working truck, however still a 6 cylinder. I would love to have the v8 myself, i am happy with the performance of the stock 6 cyl but there are more accessories for the v8 (96 and up)

Jun 5, 2004 | 04:22 AM

marragtop

Posting Guru

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 2,450

Likes: 2

From: Baltimore

As most posts have indicated, stay away from the 91-94 with AT, especially if you are going to be towing anything.

Mike

Jun 7, 2004 | 09:04 AM

mason

Elder User

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 660

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I've had a '91 and '95 4X4 4.0 OHV and I currently have a '99 V8 AWD. All have been great trucks. The '91 and '95 are still going strong with 141,000 and 200,000 miles, respectively. Neither have had engine or transmission work. The 4.0 OHV is not very powerful, though the torque is pretty good, but they seem to be pretty bullet-proof. That being said I love the V8 and highly recommend one. Regardless of what you buy make sure the fluids, particularly the transmission, were changed regularly.

Good luck,

Mason