New to me 1997 Explorer Questions


wicsmithb2300

15+ Year Member

Joined
Mar 11, 2008
Messages
12
Points
3,101
Age
48
City
Pee Dee Area, SC
Vehicle Year
1994
Transmission
Manual
Wanted to ask if anyone knew of any problem areas with with a 1997 4door XLT Explorer. Things I should look into to insure she stays on the road another 13 years.

U34 — Explorer (4-door), 4x4
X - 4.0-Liter 6-Cylinder (Explorer, Ranger)
This is the OHV engine not the SOHC

I just got this ride Sunday May 2nd. So far everything seems to work well except passenger power seat, and rear wiper.
 
Watch out for your auto hubs. I think that has the PVH style, failures in the hubs are usually a vac line.

Keep the oil changed and the trans flushed, should last you at least another 13 years.
 
Keep an eagle eye on the temp gauge, the first time it over heats the heads will probably crack. Other then that it's a pretty solid truck.

And check the shackles. Depending on where you live (amount of snow, therefor rust) they sometimes rust out and need to be replaced.
 
So far what I can find wrong with it is rear window wiper isn't working, passenger power seat isn't working, and the worst of them is Front Driver Side axle needs replacing. Pops bad when turning with 4x4 engaged, turns fine when 4x4 isn't engaged.
 
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