Ford Explorer V8 95-01. Are they solid?

RedVenom48 · Feb 10, 2018

Kicking around the idea for selling my Yamaha FZ-1 for an SUV. Narrowed it down to a 95-01 Explorer V8 or a 92-96 Bronco. Id prefer a Bronco, but there are more Explorers out there. Wont be finding any cream puffs, so durability is a must.

Anyone have any experience with these?

me32 · Feb 10, 2018

If maintained there great and reliable. But if you get a beat up one. Expect doing alot of work. But 5.0 are easy and cheap to work on.

BigPoppa · Feb 11, 2018

That was the era of the rollover prone Explorers.

The trucks were prone to rollover so Ford reduced the air pressure in the tires to counter, but the tires didn't have a strong enough sidewall to overcome the excessive side load from the under inflation and would pop.

The replacement tires could handle the lower air pressure. Make sure the tires are specifically recommended for the Explorer of that year.

limitedex · Feb 11, 2018

BigPoppa said:
That was the era of the rollover prone Explorers.

The trucks were prone to rollover so Ford reduced the air pressure in the tires to counter, but the tires didn't have a strong enough sidewall to overcome the excessive side load from the under inflation and would pop.

The replacement tires could handle the lower air pressure. Make sure the tires are specifically recommended for the Explorer of that year.

Wut?

limitedex · Feb 11, 2018

lexustech48 said:
Kicking around the idea for selling my Yamaha FZ-1 for an SUV. Narrowed it down to a 95-01 Explorer V8 or a 92-96 Bronco. Id prefer a Bronco, but there are more Explorers out there. Wont be finding any cream puffs, so durability is a must.

Anyone have any experience with these?

I had a 1996 5.0 2wd Limited Explorer (literally the reasoning of my screen name all these years, it just stuck). Also had a 93, 02, and 03 Explorer FYI. I loved them back in high school and college.

Loved that thing. 5.0 motor was a beast and comfort was awesome, but it had flaws. Tranny was rebuilt at 115k. Interior door handles broke because they are plastic. Easy fix but needed to be mentioned. Easily lifted/lowered via Torsten bars and warrior shackles.

I have a 1996 Eddie Bauer Bronco 5.8L 4x4 now. I like it more even though they are at different points in my life and for different jobs.

I would only get a “cream puff” as you call it. The explorer will be far less in value as broncos are holding good value if they’re clean. Don’t buy anything with body rust period.

Ask yourself do you want two doors or four? A removable top? Bigger tires or a cheap lift?

pwrshft99 · Feb 11, 2018

My biggest issue with V8 explorers is the damn AWD only. Given a proper transformation case, the explorer is tough to beat.

My 2000 had issues with torque convertor bannging when shifting to OD. Pretty common on RWD ford I guess

limitedex · Feb 11, 2018

pwrshft99 said:
My biggest issue with V8 explorers is the damn AWD only. Given a proper transformation case, the explorer is tough to beat.

My 2000 had issues with torque convertor bannging when shifting to OD. Pretty common on RWD ford I guess

Right. Don’t get the AWD. True 4x4 only.

RX1Cobra · Feb 11, 2018

I have a 2000 that I've owned for the last 13 years (got it with 50K). Its approaching 200K miles; 5.0 AWD. It's never had any major problems and yet to leave me stranded in all that time. Only non BS items I've replaced are alternator, radiator and front wheel bearings. Other than that a few sensors and interior lights.

The front end (ball joints and wheel bearings) are a weak spot on these cars. Other than small things breaking the drivetrain is pretty much bulletproof (5.0 4R70). I'll be getting rid of it in the next few months. 18 Chicago winters have taken their toll on the body. I'd still hop in and drive anywhere today and not worry. Probably give it to my dad and we'll keep it around as a beater since its not worth much.

2000GTSTANG · Feb 11, 2018

I rock a 99 Explorer Limited 5.0 AWD. Bought it at 135k miles and it just rolled to 191k miles on the original drivetrain. Only problems Ive had since owning it have been a bad fuel pump, noisy camshaft synchronizer (fixed with a few squirts of ATF) and passenger exhaust manifold leaking.

It has been rock solid and gets it in the bad weather with the 32" Cooper Discoverer ATP tires. We've had some bad snow storms this year and this thing eats through the snow like its nothing. The AWD system is awesome, dont have to switch it back and fourth from 2wd to 4wd. Id like a real transfer case for the summer months when I dont need AWD, but Im not going to mess around and swap it just for that.

Ive done all the preventive maintenance to it that my buddies parents neglected to do. Changed the original trans fluid and filter at 135k miles. New shocks all the way around, add-a-leaf in the rear to help the sagging rear leaf springs, new balljoints, upper control arms, sway bar end links, lift shackles, wheel hubs, etc. Added a nice double din radio and aftermarket sub, HID retrofit headlights, remote start. The thing really is an awesome DD. Gas mileage leaves some to be desired but having no car payment and cheap insurance makes up for it.

Explorer by michiganz, on Flickr

Sirhc7897 · Feb 11, 2018

My mom had one for many, many years...matter of fact she had nearly 400k on it when she traded it in on a crew cab F-150.

Thing was stone cold reliable.

Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

Revvv · Feb 11, 2018

My daughter was driving a 99 Mountaineer to school before she took over my wife's Grand Cherokee. It had 300,000 miles on it, and I'm pretty sure it had more torque than my Mustang.

That big AWD boat could move. The fuel gauge would outrun the speedometer, but it would push you into the seat.

Sent from my [device_name] using the svtperformance.com mobile app

TheShadow · Feb 11, 2018

For what it's worth, since you mentioned Bronco, I have a '92 with 277K miles. Bought it new, so all miles are mine. E4OD sucks. At least on mine, although it could be my fault, LOL! I'm on my 3rd transmission and 2nd engine. Unfortunately, It's been parked now for several years. Love that truck, but might be beyond the point of reasonably saving. We used to take it to the beach at Cape Hatteras, and despite best wash down practices, it's missing quite a bit of metal.

SID297 · Feb 11, 2018

2000GTSTANG said:
I rock a 99 Explorer Limited 5.0 AWD. Bought it at 135k miles and it just rolled to 191k miles on the original drivetrain. Only problems Ive had since owning it have been a bad fuel pump, noisy camshaft synchronizer (fixed with a few squirts of ATF) and passenger exhaust manifold leaking.

It has been rock solid and gets it in the bad weather with the 32" Cooper Discoverer ATP tires. We've had some bad snow storms this year and this thing eats through the snow like its nothing. The AWD system is awesome, dont have to switch it back and fourth from 2wd to 4wd. Id like a real transfer case for the summer months when I dont need AWD, but Im not going to mess around and swap it just for that.

Ive done all the preventive maintenance to it that my buddies parents neglected to do. Changed the original trans fluid and filter at 135k miles. New shocks all the way around, add-a-leaf in the rear to help the sagging rear leaf springs, new balljoints, upper control arms, sway bar end links, lift shackles, wheel hubs, etc. Added a nice double din radio and aftermarket sub, HID retrofit headlights, remote start. The thing really is an awesome DD. Gas mileage leaves some to be desired but having no car payment and cheap insurance makes up for it.

View attachment 1464973Explorer by michiganz, on Flickr

What does insurance run on it? I've been DD a 2005 Lincoln Aviator. It's pretty good except for the mileage.

BigPoppa · Feb 11, 2018

limitedex said:
Wut?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestone_and_Ford_tire_controversy

nxhappy · Feb 11, 2018

lexustech48 said:
Kicking around the idea for selling my Yamaha FZ-1 for an SUV. Narrowed it down to a 95-01 Explorer V8 or a 92-96 Bronco. Id prefer a Bronco, but there are more Explorers out there. Wont be finding any cream puffs, so durability is a must.

Anyone have any experience with these?

Bronco's are bad ass. That's what I'd get. They are going up in value.

2000GTSTANG · Feb 11, 2018

Oh and btw, Discount Tire would sell me my tires but wouldn't mount them due to them not being the stock size and the roll over controversy. Must be a company policy. Uhaul wont rent trailers to 2nd gen Explorers either, but they will Mountaineers.. lol

SID297 said:
What does insurance run on it? I've been DD a 2005 Lincoln Aviator. It's pretty good except for the mileage.

About $56 a month for PLPD (Personal Liability and Property Damage). So if the car gets totaled, Im ****ed.

2000GTSTANG · Feb 11, 2018

If you do decided to get the Explorer, Id find a 98+ one. Preferably Eddie Bauer or Limited so you get steering wheel controls, auto climate control, and heated seats.

One more pic, sorry.

Untitled by michiganz, on Flickr

PaxtonShelby · Feb 11, 2018

I loved our 4.0 V6 explorers. First was a '93 XLT. Bought it used and kept it for 10 years. Second was a 2001 Eddie Bauer. Also bought it used and drove it for 10 years. Both had the tranny crap out just after 100k miles. Maintenance is like with any other SUV - hubs - ball joints - shocks. Our 2001 pulled 21 mpg on the highway loaded with family and gear. I would not worry a second about the tire blowout stories - just use that to get a better deal when you find a clean one.

Watch out for rust. Rockers, doors, and the hatch can go.

Interiors are pretty stout - side bolsters on the front seats can wear. Ford leather isn't known for its durability.

My wife drives a 2005 Aviator. Completely different animal. The 32v 4.6 is strong and smooth. It rides much better than any Explorer up thru 2001, as those Explorers are SRA. 2002+ Explorers and the Aviators are all IRS. But yes - the Aviator mpg is BAD.

SID297 · Feb 11, 2018

PaxtonShelby said:
I loved our 4.0 V6 explorers. First was a '93 XLT. Bought it used and kept it for -0 years. Second was a 2001 Eddie Bauer. Also bought it used and drove it for 10 years. Both had the tranny crap out just after 100k miles. Maintenance is like with any other SUV - hubs - ball joints - shocks. Our 2001 pulled 21 mpg on the highway loaded with family and gear. I would not worry a second about the tire blowout stories - just use that to get a better deal when you find a clean one.

Watch out for rust. Rockers, doors, and the hatch can go.

Interiors are pretty stout - side bolsters on the front seats can wear. Ford leather isn't known for its durability.

My wife drives a 2005 Aviator. Completely different animal. The 32v 4.6 is strong and smooth. It rides much better than any Explorer up thru 2001, as those Explorers are SRA. 2002+ Explorers and the Aviators are all IRS. But yes - the Aviator mpg is BAD.

The Aviator feels stronger on the bottom end than my supercharged 3V Explorer did. That's all in the tune though. We could never get rid of all that torque management in the 2009. The Aviator has a throttle cable and 3.73 gears.

silver03svt · Feb 11, 2018

I have a 2000 Eddie Bauer 5.0 AWD Explorer. Wife and I bought it in 2005 with 91K miles on it. She drove it daily until 2012. Now, it is my beater vehicle and currently has 227K miles on it. Only items that have been replaced are transmission (previous owner replaced with Jasper unit), alternator, water pump, radiator, and A/C compressor. To this day, the truck has absolutely zero leaks anywhere, and fires up like a champ each time you turn the key.

If you find one that has been maintained, they are bulletproof.

Ford Explorer V8 95-01. Are they solid?

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