Have you driven XLT Explorer 100,000 mi + with Independent Rear Suspension w/o related problems?

Were you able to fins an XLT with a towing package, over 3500 capacity and 2” receiver?

Thanks for any help In Advance! JOW

 

We have a 2003 V6 XLT with 120,000 miles on it and have not had one issue with the suspension. Been a great truck, as we only done normal maintenance, Everything else is original. 4x4 works great, no rattles or anything. I am very impressed with the build quality of the 02+ Explorers. Too bad the '11s are a car.

 

Thanks For The Info! Sounds like your 02 serves you as my 1993 served me. Very good Multiple Use and just normal routine maintenance. If dollars and options become an issue I’ll have no problems staying with the later Explorer (even though I like the solid rear axles). I dealt with CV joints and boots the 1st 12 years on my wrenching on VWs. I was thankful for the “Split Boots”! I’m not stuck on a Make or Model even though some have made good and bad marks. JOW

 

The Explorer has been used hard and driven in CO and MT for all of its miles so it gets salt and junk on it. No corrosion or rust, and haven't had one CV problem. Rarely washed, just used like a truck should be but also taken care of maintenance wise. In reference to your hitch question, I believe only the V8's came with a 2" hitch for whatever reason.

 

I just rolled 60k miles on my 2004 Mountaineer Premier V8, so I don't really have the longevity info for you. I will say in the 12k miles I've owned it I haven't had any problems. I changed the spark plugs (about a 30 minute job) and had the transmission fluid and filter serviced ($100) but have not invested any money in to it other than that. It has the towing package with a 2" factory installed receiver. I installed a brake controller (plug and play) and nearly weekly pull a 3700lb camper, 2 adults, 2 kids, 4 bikes, and a weekend's worth of "gear" including what 2 girls seem to need for a weekend camping with no issues.

-Rod

 

Just hit 135,000 on the '02... never had any issues with the independent rear suspension. Actually I have never done anything to the suspension, front or rear. It did have the rear end hum that was fixed way back under waranty with no probs since.

I have only seen the V8s with the 2" receiver but IIRC you could build a V6 with the tow package and 2" receiver on the ford web site, although i have no idea how long the wait would be for that order.

 

Thanks For All The Help !!!

1. My understanding is that the small XLT’s receiver represents a smaller towing package (gears etc).

2. My 1993 had a ball on a reinforced bumper (from the frame and inside bumper) that worked.

3. The V6 vs V8 is probably a big factor on various options. The V6 was all I needed, after 72 & 80, 360 V8 Wagoneers.

I’ll hope to be riding soon and probably any model will handle my 3,000 mi a year I have averaged since retirement (7 yr). BUT! My plan is to do more: even though I hauled and split about 5 cords of oak firewood this past winter, made at least 5 fishing trips this past summer, walk 2 mi 5 days a week and work home and cars mechanical chores and only drive 2-3 short trips weekly. Most of this was due to retiring from Volunteering building at Habitat For Humanity and Church maintenance the first 6 years and Meals On Wheels 27 mo, after retiring from my job of 36 years. I Had Fun At All! JOW

 

Remember, although usually a V6 will get better mileage than the V8, for some reason, the V6 and V8 get the same 'real world' mileage I have seen

 

My 06 EB with V6 came from the factory with the tow package and the 2 inch hitch.

 

I was looking for an Explorer a few years ago but went in a different direction.

At that time, there were many available with the 2" receiver (which means the towing package and 3.73 gears). The 1.25" receiver and 3.27/3.55 gears (2wd/4wd) were standard on *all* Explorers but at least 1/3 of the ones I saw had the factory 2" receiver. (When I say "towing package" I mean the Class III/IV with 2" factory receiver.) I don't think the XL/XLT distinction made any difference--the big towing package was an option across the board. I'm in the Detroit area and go a really large volume dealer, so it is probable that a LOT of lease turn-ins ended up here.

I remember test driving a 2WD '02 XLT with the V6 and towing package and the 3.73 gears made it feel really peppy. The V8's haul butt, especially the 2WD version.

One major concern of mine, besides the suspension and rear end, was the 5R55W transmission.

Good luck,
George

 

Our '03 with 156,000 is on all original parts in the rear except shocks. No problems or complaints there. It's the V8 AWD and has the big hitch!

 

200K on my wifes '02 4x2 XLT and still alive. Put some axle seals in it a year or so ago because one was leaking on the driveway. Do have a wheel bearing starting to make some noise but thats no big deal.

Only major thing I have done to it was I rebuilt the trans about 10K miles ago. Plus One front wheel bearing, shift interlock solenoid, door lock actuator, MAF and upper intake seals. Not bad for 200K and 8 years, we bought it new.

 

The 07-08 Explorer will be on my list but as a 3rd choice due to my preference of a solid rear axle. The smooth coil springs rides vs leaf was very noticeable during my 3 test rides last week. My V6 and transmission were most impressive and trouble free on my 1993 vs reports of transmission slipping. What was the problem with your transmission? Thanks! Jow

 

The bores in the case were worn badly, along with solenoid pack problems. I pulled it out and went through the entire unit. Took the case to my buddy that had the kit to ream the case and install thbe bushings. Shifts like a new one.

 

That’s the way to go when you “can and will” do some of your maintenance. I feel you respect any equipment more when you maintain it vs just using it. BUT! After 40 years of rebuilding and etc., it’s time to scale back a Wee Bit, LOL. Hopefully, I’ll have many more good years enjoying moderate maintenance and leave the pulling engines and transmissions to you younger Techs. I enjoyed my share and Respect Master Techs! JOW