The DD question: 2nd gen Explorer info?

[Martinjmpr]

I know we don't see a ton of them on ExPo but there must be folks here who can share some knowledge on 2nd gen Explorers? (1995 - 2001 I believe were the years.)
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Reason I'm asking is that I'm getting rid of my 2wd Mazda B2300 DD and replacing it with a 4x4. The Explorer fits my criteria in two respects:
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1. Available locally in my price range (<$4k for a vehicle with around 125,000 miles or so), and
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2. Available with a manual transmission
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After my recent experience with my 'Burb I am going to do whatever I can to avoid any slushbox vehicles in the future. That's a shame because there are a lot of nice SUVs out there that would otherwise make great DD's but they are only available with a slushbox, no manual transmission option. (I'm thinking in particular of the likes of the Chevy Trailblazer or GMC Envoy with the 4.2l inline six.)
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Anyway, I am just curious about what engine/transmission/t-case options were available since there seems to be a dizzying array of options: 4.0l SOHC, 4.0l DOHC (wasn't there a pushrod 4.0 too?), 5.0 V8, etc.
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Were all of the 4x4 V8's AWD with no low range? And how can I tell the difference between the SOHC and DOHC 4.0 V6's? It seems people prefer the SOHC to the DOHC, why is this?
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Why do I see so many manual transmission Explorers being sold with new transmissions? Was there a problem with the transmissions in some of these trucks? Did they all have the same push-button (dial) transfer case selector?
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This would not be an 'expo' vehicle but a grocery getter and emergency trailer towing vehicle.
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FWIW other "contenders" are Nissan R50 Pathfinders and 1st gen Xterras. I might also consider another pickup, most likely I'd consider a Ranger again but I'd want an extended cab 4x4 as opposed to my current reg cab 4x2. Might even consider a 4runner although they're most likely out of my budget. The Isuzu Rodeo is a very distant possibility but I'm very reluctant to buy an "orphan" vehicle like that (the Mitsubishi Montero sport is a distant possibility for the same reason.)
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I'd love to hear of any other options but I stress - MANUAL transmission is a requirement. I won't even consider another slushbox equipped vehicle until all manual transmission options have been exhausted. :ylsmoke:

 

[ExplorerTom]

1. Available locally in my price range (<$4k for a vehicle with around 125,000 miles or so),

And lots more examples that have been ridden hard and abused.

2. Available with a manual transmission

There are. But they are fairly rare.

After my recent experience with my 'Burb I am going to do whatever I can to avoid any slushbox vehicles in the future.

It's hard for me to think of anything Chevy without also thinking of transmission issues. That and steering/alignment issues.

Anyway, I am just curious about what engine/transmission/t-case options were available since there seems to be a dizzying array of options: 4.0l SOHC, 4.0l DOHC (wasn't there a pushrod 4.0 too?), 5.0 V8, etc.

2 V6 options: OHV and SOHC. The SOHC is significantly more powerful and torquey but has issues with plastic timing chain guides that wear out- replacement involves pulling the engine to get access to the rear set. Some people go 250,000+ miles without issues, some have issues at 100,000 miles. Just luck of the draw really. It seems that even after the chains start making noise, you can continue to drive for awhile. The OHV (pushrod) engine is pretty reliable- just slow.

The V8 engine is the same basic 5.0L engine used in a million other cars and trucks from Ford for decades prior. Pretty solid drivetrain. Only available with an automatic transmission. I don't know if anyone has put a manual in one- it would be pretty cool if they did.

Were all of the 4x4 V8's AWD with no low range?

Correct. However, there are junkyard options. A manual transfer case from an F-150 will bolt up. I'm not sure what (if anything) needs to be done to the driveshafts. I know a guy (local) that could pick it from the junkyard and install it for you.

And how can I tell the difference between the SOHC and DOHC 4.0 V6's? It seems people prefer the SOHC to the DOHC, why is this?

There was no DOHC V6. Just SOHC and OHV. The question as to which is preferred is like asking someone on this forum what the best tire is, or the best overlanding vehicle or oil change frequencies.....

Telling the difference..... if the SOHC motor still has the plastic cover over the throttle body/intake manifold, it'll say on it. If it doesn't, I believe there is a difference in the air intake tube but I can't really tell you what that difference is- I just know it when I see it. The later you get into the 2nd generation, the more common the SOHC motor was.

Why do I see so many manual transmission Explorers being sold with new transmissions? Was there a problem with the transmissions in some of these trucks?

I honestly couldn't say. I don't know much about the manuals.

Did they all have the same push-button (dial) transfer case selector?

Unfortunately, yes. Decent case on its own, but I was never a fan of the idea of the case engaging and disengaging repeatedly. But again, the junkyard has your solution. V6 motors can be fitted with a manual transfer case from a Ranger.

This would not be an 'expo' vehicle but a grocery getter and emergency trailer towing vehicle.

See my signature. Mine basically lives on the trails loaded up with camping gear. It'll get into places you couldn't even see while standing on your 'Burb with binoculars.

 

[4x4junkie]

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Why do I see so many manual transmission Explorers being sold with new transmissions? Was there a problem with the transmissions in some of these trucks? Did they all have the same push-button (dial) transfer case selector?

Only "issue" I've heard of with the M5OD manual is the three rubber shift rail plugs at the top-rear of the transmission sometimes can leak as they age (and it only leaks while in operation, not while parked, making it not an obvious leak)... Eventually the trans loses enough fluid and, well... (I s'pose you can guess what happens next).

As long as the trans has fluid in it, it's pretty much bombproof. I would suggest proactive replacement of the plugs if you get one.

V6 2nd-gens have the "Control-Trac" 4WD t-case (Borg Warner 4405 IIRC). It uses an electromagnetic clutch to divert power to the front axle when the rear slips while in "4WD-Auto". In "2WD" power is sent to the rear only, and in "4WD-Lo" the clutch is locked solid (so is engaged like a part-time system would be). Like said, it can be swapped out for a part-time Ranger case.

 

[naz4x4]

I can second everything Tom wrote. The SOHC also gets better mpg but the timing chain/tensioner issue would make me nervous. Supposedly if you adjust the tensioner before they get noisy they'll live a lot longer. My first gen with the OHV has almost 300k and has been great all around on/off road vehicle. The v8 AWD uses a viscous coupling like the manual transmission Subaru's and is probably best on icy highways.

 

[calicamper]

My dad has a 99. No joke 320,000. All orginal. Every single part is equally worn out. LOL.. I stays local does around town stuff. Prior to the 99 he had a E250 conversion van with the 351. That thing finally quit at 220,000 after being stolen and recovered. LOL

That 2nd gen explorer with the 4L is a solid ride if you keep fluids fresh. Dad even towed the ski boat with the 99 gor about 6yrs. Never had any issues.

 

[justcuz]

What 4x4 junkie said about the trans. The fix is brass freeze plugs or tap the holes and install threaded plugs. The plugs are in the ends of the shift rails on the top of the transmission.

The Ranger Station website has tons of info on these vehicles, as does dezertrangers and the Explorer website.

Oh and my vote would be the V8/auto and do the t-case swap. These V8's have all the good parts in them and guys with early Panther platform 302 powered Crown Vic's canabalize them for the heads, intake and cams. Someone correct me if I am wrong, I believe the 4.0 OHV and SOHC use the same block. The SOHC has too much mechanical monkey motion, not originally designed as a SOHC engine like the modular motors Ford builds. A 4.slow OHV with a stick is not a bad truck though.

The 700r4/4L60E is really the only trans Chevy had lots of trouble with. Powerglides, Turbo 350's, 400's and 4L80E's are bombproof.

I seem to recall Ford having a lot of trouble with one of its OD automatics too, so Chevy ain't alone.

 

[dmbandy]

Easiest way to distinguish between 4.0 engines in the explorers is the 8th digit of the vin. If it's an "X" it s the ohv motor, if it's an "E" it's the sohc.