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Comments
Janell
Good Luck
E.D.
Thanks for the code reader tip. I went to the Auto Zone once but they could not read the code, machine was broken or something and I did not follow up. I know some are really simple like gas cap or spark plug. The engine is indeed V8 5.0L (I thought it was the only one they packaged with AWD) and this is why I have confidence in that part of the car and why I payed extra for it in the first place even though I don't really need the muscle. I grew up on the GM 350 ci in the days where a non-abused V8 engine always outlasted the rust.
Thanks again!
PS is there anyplace you know of that compares unbiasedly the GMC Envoy and Explorer?
For reviews, try us too (link). Plus the '05 Envoy is the New Vehicle Spotlight ad right now on that page. Click the New link for editorial comment (or the Used link to drill down to reviews of older cars).
Steve, Host
Your welcome. My code reader is an Auto X-Ray, you can find them on the web. It is a small self contained unit I bought in 2000. Now there are so many on the market, I think if I was going to buy another one, I would get one of those kind that are a module that has a plug on one end to connect to the car and a plug on the other end to plug into a notebook computer, with a program to run it on your computer. Then you can see a nice display of everything, and nowadays they are more capable of doing more functions, graphs, etc.
One big reason I stress to get the V8 is that the transmission behind the V8 is much stronger than the one behind the V6. The V8 has the 4R70W trans, which is totally great, very strong and reliable. I was not sure about which engine came with the AWD because mine is 2WD. I don't have to fight the snow and ice down here in Florida.
I also came from the V8 GM generation, the 265, then the 283, then the ever popular 327! My first V8 was the 265 in a 57 Chevy with a 2 speed powerglide. My brother had a 55 Chevy with the 283 that was really hot.
But now the Fords serve me well, and I can honestly say that the 2000 Ford Explorer XLT V8 that I am currently driving is the best vehicle I have ever owned (I've owned it 2 months now). My wife raves about her 1997 Ford Explorer XLT V8, that she has drove for 3 years. They are both fantastic vehicles. Her car has 137,000 miles on it, and I am going to replace the original Lower Ball Joints on both sides this weekend. 137K is not bad service for original ball joints!
E.D.
Even better tip, since I am actually electronic literate, I will get a code reader unit to plug into my notebook. I did not know they existed. The 97 XLT V8 is my wife's car plus the family car (I drive a pickup). It is the first vehicle I ever bought new and only because we lost an 87 Grand Wagoneer to a fire and got an insurance windfall. We were set to buy a Jeep but the top of the line they had in 97 was no comparison in look and feel of the Explorer. It really has been good to us-- safe and reliable-- and you have given the motivation to keep it. If we dumped it now, we would look back and say it was good value, but if we can get a few more years out of it will become exceptional value-- plus what would we replace it with (on a budget)?
Many thanks again,
(and also to our host of the forum)
JR on Cape Cod
PS
I drove a 57 Chevy 265, 63 Chevy 283, 66 Chevy straight 6 250-something, 71 Chevy 350, 77 Buick 350, 69 Olds 400 (whatever was in the 442?) , 70 Cadillac 472, 68 Cadillac 472. When I bought the XLT, I told the salesman when I was a kid people wore caps that said "Anybody that drives a Ford must have a screw loose." but perhaps things have now changed. He agreed with me but he really did not understand. I think you know what I mean.
One drawback is the tow capacity of the Escape with the tow pkg is only 3500 lbs.
The best my 2004 Explorer XLS 4.0L V6 managed was 19 mpg hwy on trips to Anchorage. Its average hung in the 15-17 mpg range for mixed driving which surprised me since the V8 Explorer I traded in on it did better than that. However, the Explorer with the tow pkg (2" receiver) has a tow capacity of 5000 lbs with the V6.
Prior to the new Mustang receiving this 4.0L, I thought maybe it was just the bulk of the Explorer that made the engine post such horrible fuel mileage estimates...And considering my numerous testing with a new Mustang with the 4.0L, I can tell you it's just as bad. I was able to post 18MPG and that was with the A/C off and keeping the revolutions under 2000RPM.
This is one of those senarios where opting for the larger engine, might be more economical...amazingly.
First of all, The Explorer is a vehicle that weighs over 4,500 pounds. The Expedition (in two wheel drive) weighs just 900 pounds more. How much mpg do you think a vehicle this heavy should get? My wife's '02 Explorer (2wd-4.0-XLT w/ SOHC) gets 14 in the city and will consistently get right at 20 mpg on the highway if you stay under 75mph. I don't know about you...but any vehicle that gets 20 mpg on the highway that weighs 4,500 pounds seems pretty good to me! AS mentioned here in previous posts, the V8 will not post BETTER NUMBERS, but just about TWO MPG LESS! BTW, I have 40,000 trouble free miles on this "crude V6". (Motor-wise anyway!)
I'm with you in questioning the statements made.
Considering I have the equipment to not only test it, but also program various codes for improvements of various items (fuel economy being one), I can tell you the V8 will post better numbers if driven the same way. As I mentioned, bringing the V6 over 2000RPM's will worsen the issue. Not that it's necessary since that V6 is able to sport 90% of it's torque at that RPM.
At 75MPH revving around 3200RPM, I'm looking at 15-17MPG, and at 95 (speed governing kicks in at 98) your looking at 3600RPM posting around 11-13MPG.
This with the 3:73 Axle ratio, on an Explorer Limited 4x2.
This same engine in the new Mustang V6, 2500RPM at 75MPH (less effort due to it's aerodynamic shape) showing 20MPG with 3200 coming in at 95MPH getting 16MPG at that range, and at 110 it drops to 10MPG when hitting 3500-3600RPM.
Anytime a downshift is required into a lower gear and your hitting 5000RPM, just let go of the accelerator because it's just sucking wind and getting you no where, 3000RPM is the sweet spot where most of the downshift should take you to. Although unfortunately for the Mustang, the processor is much slower and programmed differently, therefore it'll downshift you into the 4000RPM range (where you must hope it'll upshift one gear and give you a 3000RPM upshift). Hopefully a TSB will cure the delayed downshift/upshift thrash that some might notice.
From what I have seen and expericed, the only range where the V6 becomes "economical" over the V8 is at the 55-65MPH range, and that won't stay around much with the new 6Speed for this years Explorer which is posting better figures in that range.
Maybe your right. The only thing is, that it is NOT THE EXPERIENCE of those who post here. Maybe it's the mentality of - "I have a V8" and those who do may possibly be a more aggressive driver. The only thing I know is in regards to the V6 is that I have two and one-half years of "real world" ownership experience. The motor has been trouble free. Yes, I have had issues-the transmission solenoid, a slight rear end whine. It's been nothing like the '99 Suburban which I paid 30K for that was an absolute nightmare!
You may have a valid point here! He keeps talking about "keeping it under 2000 rpm" and you implied that the V8 drivers may be more agressive drivers. That may very well be true in a lot of cases, as I am a V8 driver and the only time my V8 is under 2000 rpm is when it is off or idling at a light, other than that it is floor it! I do mostly city driving and I get 14 in the city and 18 on the road, and that's good enough for me!
Didnt mean to get folks riled up. All had very good points. My next question (to any one if you know) Where can I find aftermarket performance parts for the Explorer. New and older ones, say 1998 and up. Lookin for chips or even turbo if they make it for the Explorer. Just let me say .... not tryin to race it just curious. Any help or tips welcome .......... Thanx
Steve, Host
The engine won't be around much (for the above mentioned issue), the 3.5L will phase-out the majority of current Ford V6's (Vulcan 3.0L being the first, then 3.8L, 4.2L by 2008)...the 3.0L Duratec will stay for a long time.
BTW, the 3.5L Duratec35 is not a bored/stroke version of the Duratec30. It's actually a whole new engine overall, with a new block as well... Only thing carried over is some of the initial design tweaks and details, and that's very little of it's own.
So, ANT, in the timeline you gave above, when does the Cologne 4.0L ride into the sunset? :confuse:
Toward the end, my son took him over and abused it horribly, wrecking it and running it beyond tolerances of design. It held up remarkably. It uses oil, but passes smog and doesn't leak. Your Explorer may not have performed so well, but this one owes me nothing.
My 93 was almost that good, but I drove it hard and broke the tranny, but overall was an excellent vehicle. I got $3700 for it at the end of 2003.
E.D.
E.D.
E.D.
I did purchase an extended warranty when I bot the vehicle from WARRANTYDIRECT.COM. I've had 2 other vehicles covered by them and they paid without any problem and the coverage was better than the FORD ESP at a better price too.
Anyway, I am wondering about the transmission, especially around here in Pittsburgh (up and down STEEP hills all day). It's just not clear if it should be flushed. The maintenance schedule doesn't address it. And it's not clear who can REALLY do it and do it right. My dealer seemed to shy away from it..."not recommended". What do you guys think? 35000 miles is still young but compared to the 1999 Explorer it replaced, the initial 3 years has been MUCH improved and I hope a harbinger of what is to come.
Also, will Ford replace the "leather" (vinyl?) on my wrinkled driver's seat? Or will it be a fight. It's not "terrible" (yet), but seems more worn than it should be.
I still think the tranny outta be flushed, but I guess I am afraid they will be inexperienced and will do more harm than good.
Yes, you are right. The leather on these seats is PURE JUNK. Way too thin. I have heard Ford has taken a "hard stance" on not replacing any more of those seat bottoms. BTW, there is one thing to keep in mind. If they did replace it, the dye lots are different and WILL NOT MATCH. If you are going to keep this vehicle, you are better off just to wait until it rips totally, and then take it to a good aftermarket craftsman and have him redo both seats up front.
E.D.
I myself dislike leather and will put a seat cover within 15 minutes after buying a vehicle only because in FL, it's NOT the best feeling sitting in hot leather with shorts on. The only leather I own happens to be on leather harnesses and chaps, and that's about it.
Remember when Ricaldo Mantalbaum (or whatever the heck his name was) huckstered "fine corinthian leather" for Chrysler. Now THAT was when LEATHER WAS LEATHER. This stuff is some derivation of leather in certain spots and even that is questionable.