Anyone own both these models? Which do you like better. My wife has an Aerostar with a 3.0 V6 and I am thinking about the possiblilty of selling it and getting a 2WD V8 Explorer, mainly for more power of the V8. I assume only the 302 V8 was offered (or was also the 351?) Seems that another advantage would be getting rid of the cumbersome sliding door of the Aerostar.

 

TallPaul,
My personal preference would be for the Explorer simply because mini vans period arent the easiest vehicles to work on . The 5.0L was the only V8 offered ...seems to me it was first offered in 95 or 96 ? . I believe 97 , like the F150 's , the Explorer got the torsion bar front suspension .
Paul

 

Undoubtably easier to work on, though I torture my mechanic with that aspect. Still, the Explorer probably is cheaper to have him work on. I thought I read the V8 was added in '96. So you say torsion bar front suspension came in in '97. Interesting! I didn't think they would put that on a truck. If I decide to go Explorer, I think I will shoot for a '96. I assume the rear is leaf spring. Also I heard that there is a Mazda version of the Explorer. So is the Explorer mostly Ford or mostly Mazda?

 

TallPaul,
Yes ,The Mazda version is called a Navajo . Since Ford owns Mazda , Volvo , Jaguar and a few others I cant recall , Lord knows what gets integrated from one vehicle to another anymore . I beleive the Navajo and Explorer are basically the same , Just the names and some exterior pieces are different . The Mountaineer is basically the same as well except it has a better ride , handling characteristics , or so they claim and a few do dad options like fully auto 4wd . If you get a used one , just make sure you give it a thorough once over .
Paul

 

 

I know that the model change for the explorer was in 95'. Some of the changes were drivers and passenger airbags and side impact bars, plus front independent suspension. I think this is the same as the torsion bar front suspension that you were talking about. The rear suspension is called semi-floating or just normal suspension. As to when the V8's were offered, well I think that it would be at the same year of all the changes. The 5.0L V8 are the old 302's that they have been using in their GT mustangs up until about 97'. From 95' and up you could either get the 4.0L V6, 4.0L V6 SOHC, or 5.0L V8 in the explorer. If you are looking for an automatic trans, good because if you want a manual you can only get the 4.0L V6 with only 160 Hp, very sluggish. With the automatic, the 4.0L V6 SOHC and the 5.0L V8 both have their pros and cons. In terms of power they put out about 205 Hp and 210 Hp, respectively. If you are going to tow a lot, nothing beats the V8. But in terms of acceleration, most like the SOHC because of its 5-speed auto trans, while the V8 has a 4-speed auto trans and is not as smooth in shifting.

I have a 96' explorer and I am happy.

Just a few things for you to think about, good luck with your search.

Drew

 

I definitely would want the V8. I had a 302 V8 once in a 71 Ford Custom full size car. That was a fine engine! I am not concerned with smoothness of shifting as I understand smooth shifts are at the expense of extra heat and wear because the manufacturer makes the gears overlap to get smoothness.