New Owner Ford Explorer.....

[havocbean]

So ive got my 1st 4X4 with EVERY intention of using it. Its a Ltd Ed so nice inside (as I wanted a "pretty" car) but also a hardi one..and I like fords.

I just got a few questions if anybody can help...

1) Does anybody else own an explorer here (i cant find threads or even if im looking right) MInes a 98 model and Id love to hear from ppl who have them to.

2) need some help with the child restraint. Ive got one in the car that came with it....but I cant work out how to get a 2nd in under the carpet. its really weird and to me..unless i chomp up the carpet (which is not my intention although its guna get pretty messed up in the nxt 6 mnth) and as i have 2 small kids I really need a 2nd restraint clip.

3) I had some problems with it the 1st w/end I bought it (ONLY LAST!!) and atm its back at the car yard who have a mechanic getting fixed. Thing is they needed to pull the dash off to fix my fan motor something as it was blowing out hot air. Im really worried they will fudge my car up not put the dash on right and break it..then Ill have a dodgy car with bits falling off it.

Anyhow if anybody an help me...Id love to get more involved with the 4wd drive kinda ppl and take some classes how to drive it aswell. its going to take a good year to get all my stuff together but its got to be good to learn of others.
Thanks ppl's...a budding country 4wd mum

[ReVd_uP]

do some research, sorry to say but you might find purchasing an EXPLODER was a poor choice

[RUQ1KA]

I have heard some horror stories about the first models, alot of people call them exploders!

My dad actually has the newer 2003 V8 XLT version and we've had no troubles with it as yet, owned it since it was about 6 months old, there is a rattle comming from under it which recently started but i think its just a bolt or 2 that came loose somewhere

here is a pic of my dads so you know what model i'm going on about

[Conrad]

Question, are the 2007 models of explorers ok?

What was the stories about explorers? I heard it before but now can't remember..

[bob^]

Dodgy tyre being put on them from the factory which ended up exploding - resulting in accidents.
I don't think it's something you have to be concerned about buying one now.

[SSBUB]

yeah i always heard of them being called exploders, but is it just because of tyres? no mechanical issues?

[MR_SIDO]

timing chains can rattle like nothing when cold, the thing is that the timing chains are at the rear of the engine so fixing it is a major issue. the early ones did have issues with motors but it was more a problem with the Pushrod OHV motor in the XL version, From memory the XLT and Limited had a SOHC Engine in it.

[Green X]

Mate it's the Blend door< it a common problem that can happen the actuator arm brakes and games the door and you end up with hot air.

What are you looking at doing with it. if you want to 4WD the thing you will need to rework the suspension as stock they are chit, to soft in the rear and too low, Thou in the LTD has the Air ride shocks in it

If you are in Perth I would be happy to run through few thing with you otyerwise i can just stick up some info and pointers on hear.

Mr. SIDO> you are half correct, The timing for the left bank is located on the rear of the engine and the Timing for the right bank is on the front of the engine.

Cheers.

[Outbackjack]

What kind of 4 wheel driving do you intend on doing. I mean there is 4 wheel driving and then there is 4 wheel driving, if you get what I mean. The explorers are not known as serious off road vehicles. But if you are just doing the camping and the odd gravel road thing you should be fine. I have dragged lots of 4 wheel drives out of sand and mud.... Subaru forresters, explorers, and territories top the list of stranded vehicles.

Cheers.

[mik]

rule no.1 if your goin scrub bashing find someone to go with you (another 4wd preferably), if one of you gets into strife you have a back up to help you out, joining a club would be your best bet if you want to learn and do it safely .

[Green X]

^^, depends what you do to em.

Sort the springs and shocks out, set it up right so you get a bit of articulation in the rear , good set of tyres and repack the LSD and they go alright.

Granted unless you chuck big $$ at it, it will never be a rock crawler, I go out with Patrols, cruisers, range rovers and one very modified Wrangler and can get most places

I use mine for touring more than a bush thrasher, still enjoy running the trails in the hills out of Perth but would rather be out in the scrub in the north or cruising a remote beach in the south.

My mates wrangler has 5-inch suspension, Front and real Detroit's, 4.56 gears on 34-inch BFG MT's. Not much I have seen that can stops that thing.

[KenW]

Sell it. It will cause you nothing but grief , the SOHC motors have timing chain issues,auto probs and transfer case probs

[Green X]

Oh good Another expert.

[[Tonko]]

Originally Posted by KenW

Sell it. It will cause you nothing but grief , the SOHC motors have timing chain issues,auto probs and transfer case probs

Any and every car has problems. So get over it!

[Bill M]

My brother has the larger second series Explorer... lots of Kilometres travelled and no issues. This replaced a first series he had also with no issues except a recall for tyre replacement which pleased him no end.

cheers
Bill.