Best equipped years for the explorers?

[kawana]

What years came best equipped from the factory? Also, how tough are the auto trans in these things?

 

[adsm08]

"Well equipped" means different things to different people. What are you looking for? Comfort, fancy options, off-road capability?

 

[kawana]

sorry, I should have specified. I ment off-road capability. How is the 2000 explorer? I found a nice 4 door with only 170,000km's on it for $2000. He says the engine is making noise, and that the timing chain tensioner should be replaced. Im not sure if its the 4L or 5L, but are they non-interference engines?

 

[Sunk]

For off-road you want a 91-94.

 

[RUTH]

For off-road you want a 91-94.

i agree, i haven't had a newer 2000 model, but me and some buddy's have had a few early 90's explores, and holy crap they will take a beating,and the tranny, only thing we had troubles with, was it not shifting unless you let off the gas??? idk maybe a speed sensor or something, we didn't care..

 

[kawana]

alright guys, thanks, that will give me a good starting point. I just found a 93 4L 5spd with 218,000km's on it for $1200. Im just hoping its not rusted to crap

 

[adsm08]

218K kms isn't a lot for that engine. If it isn't rusted grab it. But try to talk him down to about 900 first.

 

[kawana]

Ok so I got an email back, he says theres a little rust behind the plastic trim, but nothing major. If thats all it is, im not gunna worry about it. Its gunna get dinged up anyways. And ya, Ill lowball it first, and go from there.

 

[RUTH]

good luck keep us posted

 

[Little X]

You definitely want a 91-94 for wheeling. The auto tranny is a POS, but the 5-speeds hold up really well.

 

[kawana]

Im likely not gunna be doing any hardcore offroading, mostly trails and taking it camping. Should the auto trans be fine in that case? Whats the failing point of the auto trans? Would something like a trans cooler help at all? Or is it just weak?

 

[4x4junkie]

Trans cooler helps a lot. The biggest killer though is putting bigger tires on and not regearing the axles to compensate. Be sure to do this if you put anything bigger than 31" tires on it (33" tires call for 4.56-4.88 gears... 35s, 4.88-5.13... and so on).