1997 Ford Explorer Opinions needed!

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Red_Willy_Focus

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Discussion starter · #1 · Aug 2, 2006

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http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/car/189245898.html

Anyone have any comments on if I should stay away from this vehicle or do you think it will last for a while?

All help, opinions, thoughts are welcome.

THanks!

 

Silfox

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#2 · Aug 2, 2006

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Nice looking truck. Great price. If its what you nee, go take a look at it and see how it is in person.

 

EggYolkBill

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#3 · Aug 2, 2006

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It looks like a good deal. The 5.0 engine and tranny is very reliable and the Limiteds have the best packaging.

 

Johnny_P

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#4 · Aug 2, 2006

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gas mileage is going to suck with it..... 14 city / 18 highway according to edmunds.
IIRC my dad's 1999 F-150 had better horsepower, torque, and gas mileage numbers from a smaller engine. Still fit 6 people in the cab.

 

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ZX3guy182

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#5 · Aug 2, 2006

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horrible...dont have a blowout!

 

DarkHorse

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#6 · Aug 2, 2006

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My parents have a 99 with the 5.0 and haven't had any major problems with anything. Only the radio back lighting when out, and the back windshield wiper assembly broke.

 

wallygator

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#7 · Aug 2, 2006

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I have a 1997 Explorer AWD with the V8. I lifted it, tow my boat and trailer, off-road, drive it very hard, and love every minute of it. It has never let me down. Dont buy it if you want gas mileage, but the V8 fun factor is awesome. If you do lift it, get ready to shell out some $$$ for an upgraded front driveshaft. The worst problem I have had so far was the computer died when the idiot radio installers drilled through something and fried it. Some good aftermarket parts available for it too.

 

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emulous

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#8 · Aug 2, 2006

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Since you're in the Northeast, just get under the thing and check for rust, that is probably gonna be the worst culprit.

 

poondobber

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#9 · Aug 2, 2006

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The drivetrain on the 5.0 Explorers should be bullet proff except for the tranny. An auto tranny on any Ford is good for about 100k. I would plan on transmission repairs/replacement. Pre 2001 had the live rear axle. It should have longer life and better tow capacity. Other than the tranny it should be good for a while as long as you can keep the rust out of it.

 

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MUTTLEE

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#10 · Aug 3, 2006

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emulous said:

Since you're in the Northeast, just get under the thing and check for rust, that is probably gonna be the worst culprit.

Click to expand...

:thumbup: good advice there! The best place to look for rust is the inside lower door edges...especially the 2nd set of doors. Also, pop the hood open. Follow the air conditioner lines to a large canister (can't remember what it's called). The canister may be wrapped in foam rubber. Check behind the foam for rust. What happens is that water gets behind the foam from the top and seeps in. Over time, the can rusts out and the A/C quits. New replacement canisters do not come with the foam for this reason. But it's kinda pricey to get fixed.

 

EggYolkBill

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#11 · Aug 3, 2006

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poondobber said:

The drivetrain on the 5.0 Explorers should be bullet proff except for the tranny. An auto tranny on any Ford is good for about 100k. I would plan on transmission repairs/replacement. Pre 2001 had the live rear axle. It should have longer life and better tow capacity. Other than the tranny it should be good for a while as long as you can keep the rust out of it.

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The 4R70W is a great transmission and should be good for much more than 100k if properly maintained. Also, the IRS SUVs have better towing capacity than the live axle versions.

 

poondobber

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#12 · Aug 3, 2006

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EggYolkBill said:

The 4R70W is a great transmission and should be good for much more than 100k if properly maintained. Also, the IRS SUVs have better towing capacity than the live axle versions.

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My experience with Ford transmissions says otherwise. Ive had 3 Fords and 6 transmissions. The 4R70W is better than average but it WILL be the first high dollar repair on that car.

I dont believe that the IRS SUVs have a better tow capacity. I would take the live axle over the IRS any day.

 

EggYolkBill

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#13 · Aug 3, 2006

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poondobber said:

My experience with Ford transmissions says otherwise. Ive had 3 Fords and 6 transmissions. The 4R70W is better than average but it WILL be the first high dollar repair on that car.

I dont believe that the IRS SUVs have a better tow capacity. I would take the live axle over the IRS any day.

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I understand how you feel about transmissions. It's not a problem unique to Ford though.

The 1000# towing increase on the Explorer from 2001 V8 to 2002 V8 is mostly attributed to the IRS. This is straight from Ford. I do not feel like finding the article but it was discussed in length by Ford. It really has something to do with weight distribution.