best year explorer 4x4?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
best year explorer 4x4?
depends on what you want it for.
I personally prefer the 1st generations ('91-'94). The TTB front suspension allows more wheel travel than the IFS system on the later explorers, but it's not as smooth as the latter. I also prefer the traditional (2H-4H-4L) 4x4 system they have. The 4.0 L OHV V6 is the only stock engine. It's a good, reliable engine whose only downside is it's perhaps a little small for the truck it's pulling. I personally don't find it a problem; it has enough for me. If you feel that you need a bigger engine, the 5.0 L V8 showed up in '97 or '98, but it only came with an AWD transfer case that doesn't have a low range, nor will it lock the front and back together. The auto transmission (A4LD) has many questioning it's reliability. Some have troubles, some do well. From my experience, a little TLC and it will do ok.
That's my 2cents. I'm sure others have other opinions.
I personally prefer the 1st generations ('91-'94). The TTB front suspension allows more wheel travel than the IFS system on the later explorers, but it's not as smooth as the latter. I also prefer the traditional (2H-4H-4L) 4x4 system they have. The 4.0 L OHV V6 is the only stock engine. It's a good, reliable engine whose only downside is it's perhaps a little small for the truck it's pulling. I personally don't find it a problem; it has enough for me. If you feel that you need a bigger engine, the 5.0 L V8 showed up in '97 or '98, but it only came with an AWD transfer case that doesn't have a low range, nor will it lock the front and back together. The auto transmission (A4LD) has many questioning it's reliability. Some have troubles, some do well. From my experience, a little TLC and it will do ok.
That's my 2cents. I'm sure others have other opinions.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
best year explorer 4x4?
I've also been looking at Explorers for a while, thinking about maybe picking up a used one. I just read a very good summary of the Ford Explorer line which was put together by another FTE member, mgazak:
http://www.geocities.com/mgazak/explorer.htm
It's definitely worth a read.
http://www.geocities.com/mgazak/explorer.htm
It's definitely worth a read.
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