What Explorer to get?
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What Explorer to get?
Ok, I'm sure this has already be beaten to death but since I couldn't find any old posts on it I thought I'd ask again. I'm looking at getting a Ford Explorer 97-99 4 Door 4x4 and was wondering what was/is the best over all package to get? I was thinking the V8 but since I just read that the AWD system it has isn't 'on demand' but 'all the time' I'm thinking of the SOHC V6 for the better gas mileage. The main proposes I'm getting an Explorer is for Off roading/Towing/People Hauling but it will also be my daily driver (and I do drive alot). Any info or links to info would be greatly appreicated.
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I love my V8 AWD. I just posted a message about getting only 15mpg on the highway and a guy mentioned he gets about the same and got about the same in his V6.
I tow an 8x12 enclosed race trailer and have no problems what so ever. The other day my parents 97 Dodge ram broke a brake line at the lake. My Explorer came to the rescue. I was able to pull a 25'ft party barge with 8 people in it right out of the water no problems! I then pulled it back to the marina which was about 8 miles away. Since then I have become the official boat launcher for my parents. Their POS dodge is only 2wd and won't make the cut on the slippery ramp. People kinda look a bit funny when they say a small truck like that pulling a yacht out of the water:-).
over the winter the lack of buttons helps raise the wife operability factor also. She just gets in and goes.
The short: If I sold mine.. i would get another V8 bar none.
I tow an 8x12 enclosed race trailer and have no problems what so ever. The other day my parents 97 Dodge ram broke a brake line at the lake. My Explorer came to the rescue. I was able to pull a 25'ft party barge with 8 people in it right out of the water no problems! I then pulled it back to the marina which was about 8 miles away. Since then I have become the official boat launcher for my parents. Their POS dodge is only 2wd and won't make the cut on the slippery ramp. People kinda look a bit funny when they say a small truck like that pulling a yacht out of the water:-).
over the winter the lack of buttons helps raise the wife operability factor also. She just gets in and goes.
The short: If I sold mine.. i would get another V8 bar none.
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Thanks for the input. I'd be down for the V8 if it wasn't AWD but right now thats the biggest stopping point for me. Anyone else have anything to say about the SOHC V6? How do you like it? What Packages did you get/like? (XLT, Eddie B, etc)
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I can understand your reasoning with the V8/AWD. I have a '98 Mountaineer V8/AWD. Glad that I bought it like that. A few winters ago, I planned to move across town. The day before brought a major winter storm. I was still able to do my moving. My truck helped me more than the Uhaul that I was to rent that day. Yes, it sucks alittle more gas but it's never been shy about climbing, turning (traction), carrying stuff in and on top, or pulling. She has 165K miles on her now. Only major work has been new spark plugs/w wires, all new fuel injectors, all new fuel rods, new belts. I change oil every 3k miles religiously... Castrol 5w-30. SHe runs now just like she did the day I bought here.
M40
M40
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Good to hear you had such good luck with your V8/AWD, I've heard mixed things about them and higher mileage, etc. Yeah, if I lived some place that had really bad winters I'd be more apt to get an AWD but living in SoCal the only time I need 4WD is when I want to 4WD, hehe. How do you like your Mountaineer? Isn't it just like a top end Explorer? (All the bells and whistles)
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I have a 99 XLT with AWD 4-Wheel High and Low. I have taken it offroad in the neighboring mountains in SoCal, it is bones stock and has handled very well in all the situations. The only complaint I have is that it would be nice to have a locking read dif.
I heard there are problems with the timing chain cams on the v6, but so far so good. I have also used it to tow a trailer when moving, and it handled it quite well. In all a two speed transfer case is the bomb.
I heard there are problems with the timing chain cams on the v6, but so far so good. I have also used it to tow a trailer when moving, and it handled it quite well. In all a two speed transfer case is the bomb.
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If you're in So Cal, send me a message as I have a '98 4x4 with about 76K on it.. and it's got a new trans and a new rear diff....ohc 6, leather, locking rear diff......
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
I have a 99 Mountaineer 5.0 AWD that my wife drives and there is no Hi/Low selector, it is all automatic. She gets 13-14 city, 15-17 highway. It is loaded with leather and moonroof etc. 
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AWD is different than 4WD.
AWD is automatic, full time, and no low range. Better minds can give you more details.
4WD in the Exploders is Automatic most of the time, but then allows you to lock it into 4WD Hi for slippery surfaces, and 4WD Lo for rough going.
Again, read around for better minds to explain the details.
If you are going to really rough stuff, you need 4WD with the low range, IMO.
Of course, I've mainly used mine to back up on really steep hills, and go over curbs and parking chocks, as I am city bound most of the time.
I did "use" the auto feature on the Grapevine (I5 north of LA) in the snow and freezing rain. Very handy....
AWD is automatic, full time, and no low range. Better minds can give you more details.
4WD in the Exploders is Automatic most of the time, but then allows you to lock it into 4WD Hi for slippery surfaces, and 4WD Lo for rough going.
Again, read around for better minds to explain the details.
If you are going to really rough stuff, you need 4WD with the low range, IMO.
Of course, I've mainly used mine to back up on really steep hills, and go over curbs and parking chocks, as I am city bound most of the time.
I did "use" the auto feature on the Grapevine (I5 north of LA) in the snow and freezing rain. Very handy....
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