'02 Explorer Questions
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: So Cal
'02 Explorer Questions
Hello,
I've recently come across two '02 explorers that my wife and I are interested in. One has a SOHC and the other does not. Question is what are the main differences in the two and are there any generally accepted pros or cons of either? Also, as far as body, frame, mechanical etc., are there any known things that we should consider that might be a problem down the road?
One has around 35KM and the other has under 20K.
With either one of these though, after we get all we can out of the engine, I'd like to maybe drop in a V8 if it's not TOO much work. Actually I just thought about it, are engine swaps in these newer vehicles a thing of the past?
One other choice we looking into is also an '02 limited 4.6 V8 4X4 totally loaded 18KM. Of course this one is pricier, but were willing to pay more for less headaches down the road.
Thanks much,
A
I've recently come across two '02 explorers that my wife and I are interested in. One has a SOHC and the other does not. Question is what are the main differences in the two and are there any generally accepted pros or cons of either? Also, as far as body, frame, mechanical etc., are there any known things that we should consider that might be a problem down the road?
One has around 35KM and the other has under 20K.
With either one of these though, after we get all we can out of the engine, I'd like to maybe drop in a V8 if it's not TOO much work. Actually I just thought about it, are engine swaps in these newer vehicles a thing of the past?
One other choice we looking into is also an '02 limited 4.6 V8 4X4 totally loaded 18KM. Of course this one is pricier, but were willing to pay more for less headaches down the road.
Thanks much,
A
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Not sure about your statement "One has a SOHC and the other does not". If one of them has a 4.0L OHV, it's not an '02.
I had an '02 with the 4.0L SOHC, and I much prefer my '04 with the 4.6L. Get the V8, you'll like it IMO.
Steve
I had an '02 with the 4.0L SOHC, and I much prefer my '04 with the 4.6L. Get the V8, you'll like it IMO.
Steve
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Cross-Country
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From: So Cal
I'm not sure. That's how the one is advertised. " '02 4.0 SOHC", the other advertises a "V6". Are they one in the same?
I'm not all that savvy on the engines that are offered in these things, I guess I need to do some more research.
I'm not all that savvy on the engines that are offered in these things, I guess I need to do some more research.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: So Cal
Thanks for clearing that up.
We're SERIOUSLY considering the V8 now after reading about timing chain issues the V6 apparently has.
Anything that '02's or explorers in general suffer from after some milage has been added? I knew a couple people that worked for different Ford dealerships in the late 90's and into 00 and the mechanics nicknamed the explorer the "exploder" because of it's various, reoccuring issues.
We're SERIOUSLY considering the V8 now after reading about timing chain issues the V6 apparently has.
Anything that '02's or explorers in general suffer from after some milage has been added? I knew a couple people that worked for different Ford dealerships in the late 90's and into 00 and the mechanics nicknamed the explorer the "exploder" because of it's various, reoccuring issues.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
If the V8 Limited has the tow package and 3.73 LS rear end, try backing up and turning from a dead stop; if you feel a shuddering/chattering the clutch packs in the rear end are bad. Also, go around a corner slowly and step on the gas lightly and then again hard; any clunking indicates a tranny problem.
Steve
Steve
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Cross-Country
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From: So Cal
Thanks for the tips. We bought an XLT V8 w/34K. Very pleased so far. Not too thrilled about not being able to "dip" the tranny fluid. It'd be nice to see the condition of it.
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CO River Rat
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From: So Cal
2002, oxford white, graphite grey leather, sunroof. Very clean. Someone decided to step up the tires to a set of yokohama 255/70's to boot. I was pleasantly surprised about that. Good tread pattern w approx. 80% left. The window sticker was tucked into the manual which pretty much revealed all the optional equipment. Non LS diff. though 
. For what we got out the door with it, I can live without the LS rearend.
Do you recommend any tune-up stuff such as a chip etc.? Also, It appears to have CA. smog equipment and was CA owned but recently ended up here (Colorado) which obviously is a higher altitude. I was told the battery should be disconnected for at least 5 mins. to reset the electronics to assimilate the higher altitude. I should probably ask the folks over in the FTE Colorado chapter.
. For what we got out the door with it, I can live without the LS rearend.Do you recommend any tune-up stuff such as a chip etc.? Also, It appears to have CA. smog equipment and was CA owned but recently ended up here (Colorado) which obviously is a higher altitude. I was told the battery should be disconnected for at least 5 mins. to reset the electronics to assimilate the higher altitude. I should probably ask the folks over in the FTE Colorado chapter.
Last edited by e250guy; May 7, 2005 at 11:16 PM.