Need advice - 2000 Explorer
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From: Baltimore
Need advice - 2000 Explorer
I'm thinking of buying a 2000 Explorer 4.0, 4x4, 88k miles. What are the weak points on this year model and what should I be looking for? The owner says it's 4x4, not AWD. Is this possible? I thought by year 2000, they were all AWD, but I can certainly be wrong. How are the transmissions in the 2000s? What else should I be looking for?
Any and all comments are appreciated. thanks!!
Any and all comments are appreciated. thanks!!
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,471
Likes: 2,799
4x4 has a selector switch: auto, 4 hi, 4 lo.
AWD no switch.
Peruse the threads and find:
The transmissions are all subject to failure, although some go well into 100-150k territory. Regular fluid changes seem to help, but it has one or more design flaws. ATF is cheaper by the 55 gal. drum.
Rear axle bearings, wheel bearings. Ford apparently buys bearings from some filthy 3rd world supplier with backyard foundries supplying the metal. Just a theory.
I think the cam drives are fixed in the 2000, they were a problem for a while.
Gas mileage--well, you knew that. 3.73s in mine and I got 20 ONE time, 15.5 in mixed leadfooted driving was the usual before it went into "no trips farther than you can walk" service, which nets 11 mpg. (OK, I take it on longer trips, it ain't that bad...)
So IF this fits the need, it's clean, service records good and it shifts ok, especially a light throttle and no whine from the diff at 45+, you should be good. (as good as any 8 year old rig, that is). Get a good deal on it and drive with pride.
AWD no switch.
Peruse the threads and find:
The transmissions are all subject to failure, although some go well into 100-150k territory. Regular fluid changes seem to help, but it has one or more design flaws. ATF is cheaper by the 55 gal. drum.
Rear axle bearings, wheel bearings. Ford apparently buys bearings from some filthy 3rd world supplier with backyard foundries supplying the metal. Just a theory.
I think the cam drives are fixed in the 2000, they were a problem for a while.
Gas mileage--well, you knew that. 3.73s in mine and I got 20 ONE time, 15.5 in mixed leadfooted driving was the usual before it went into "no trips farther than you can walk" service, which nets 11 mpg. (OK, I take it on longer trips, it ain't that bad...)
So IF this fits the need, it's clean, service records good and it shifts ok, especially a light throttle and no whine from the diff at 45+, you should be good. (as good as any 8 year old rig, that is). Get a good deal on it and drive with pride.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
ii dont know about the 2000, but my 2002 has a selector switch with auto, 4H and 4L. the H and L lock it in gear. in auto, the computer will put it in 4 wheel drive if it deems necessary. there is no way to keep it in 2 wheel drive. i have changed out 2 wheel bearings, and changed the trans oil at 40k and 80k. no problems noted.
