5 (or so...) Things I Love About My Ford Explorer

Heres just a handful of things I love about my 2002, 3rd gen Ford Explorer. Watch in 1080p for highest quality. Follow me on Instagram and Facebooke below!
/ hawkeyeskunkworks
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#hawkeyeskunkworks #hsw

[@samanthaparker836]

I love Explorers!! I had a 96 XLT for a while and I lost her. I was devastated. I drove a 99 Chevy Lumina for about a year and I couldn’t stop thinking about my girl. Needless to say I traded in the Chevy and have a beautiful well kept 1999 XLT now and she is my baby. I named her Bluey.

[@BayAreaMike99]

One thing I love about explorers is the community one of the most nicest and coolest community’s

[@racer776690]

I love explorers...love them so much I would restore someone's headlights permanently for free if it is a explorer. I usually charge 25 dollars.

[@bobmoyer7929]

The Explorer is the reason I subscribed to your channel. If I didn't live so far away I would buy it from you. Thanks for the video !

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thank you! I really appreciate the support!

[@rolandbuskirk6791]

I own a 2001 Explorer; yes, it still runs and looks great!

[@loganbohannon7574]

I definitely was not expecting this video but was happy to see it. You did a good job of putting into words why these are great trucks. I think it really takes owning (a good) one to appreciate them. The interior is near perfect and they're so much damn fun to drive. Gonna be sad to see this one go.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I dont think theres another person in the country that overlands a 3rd gen more than you. Fact.

[@whydoihave6neutrals772]

Logan Bohannon I feel you 100% my mercury mountaineer was my first car loved it so much I threw a $3000 transmission at it and have a brand new 4.6 sitting aside for when I blow this one. Also have a new frame ready for when the northeastern rust eats this one to death. Hope yours is still alive!

[@mattweeks2272]

Why do I have 6 neutrals the 4.6 2V should last a long time if you maintain it. They’re nearly indestructible. The crown vics ran them from 1992 until the end of their production in 2011. I know many people with well over 400,000mi on an original 4.6 2V with no major failures or repairs needed

[@luisgcasiquet]

Thanks for the video. I had a third gen Explorer 7 years ago and I loved that truck. Fortunately I've got a 4th gen recently, and i believe its almost the same good truck. I agree on your main points: The engine, the handling, the space, the body on frame, the size is perfect!... No too big no too small. I would add the way is shifts... Anyway thank you for all your explorer videos!

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks for watching!

[@CurtisJBergerJr]

Awesome truck and mods! I’m going to be doing a lot of the stuff you did to my Ford Expedition. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks for watching, good luck!

[@mattweeks2272]

I have an 05v8 Explorer with 180,000mi on her and the transmission let go. I went new and got a 18 f150 5.0, but can’t seem to let the old girl go. I just sent her out to have the transmission redone. I just love the way that car handles

[@racer776690]

Transmission needs have it's fluid replace at 150,000....unless it deals very hard wear and tear.

[@mattweeks2272]

racer776690 the transmission won’t make it to 150,000 if the fluid isn’t replaced regularly. Most shops recommend for a 5r55s transmission a service every 60,000. However, even with regular maintenance, in their original state the 5r55 series transmissions are prone to failure due to the servo bores being placed into the aluminum casing. The steel servo wears out the aluminum very easily.

[@racer776690]

@@mattweeks2272 That's true about servo bored I forgot they need a upgraded version. There is a website of a independent maker who makes a better version of the servo bore I plan to buy for my two expos.

[@racer776690]

@@mattweeks2272 I just rechecked my manual, it is around what you said about there service (mine was 70,000 but 60,000 is safer). 😅 As for the servo bore, Aj1E Solutions brand is the best replacement.

[@mattweeks2272]

racer776690 you can really get away with boring the whole for the servo and putting a brass fitting in. When my transmission went the first time (78,000mi) that’s what we did and they’re still strong to this day. The transmission had gone again but it was the overdrive planetary gear that had shattered. This is a less common failure for most explorers, but if you have a 5r55 transmission and the v8 in your explorer (2002-2005) it is a likely failure point. The reason being is that the transmission doesn’t handle the torque well and is better mated to the 4.0 V6. With an upgraded planetary and all other common failure points repaired on the transmission, if taken care of and maintained, I should get a long life out of it now.

[@snatchbloock]

I'm original owner of an 02 Limited Explorer with 4.6 L. Everything you love about these great SUV are exactly why I still drive mine. 190000 miles and it drives better than a new pickup I own. Everything works, zero rust, tows 18 ft boat and original Trans, exhaust, sound system. I get offers to buy all the time but ain't selling any time soon.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Nice

[@harleyclair98]

Explorers are wonderful

[@Free_Range_4x4]

7:15 Wife approval is very important

[@MasterLeuban]

love it

[@alfredzammit3967]

i have explorer like your v8 aed it really go aed just love it man its really cool 4x4 its 2002 i just love the 4x4 aed also i love your video so cool good on you man

[@rockymountboy]

I'm so glad you noticed the seat offset in the GC, too! I thought I was crazy because I have never heard of it mentioned anywhere else! I too replaced a Ford Explorer with a WJ, though it was a Gen 2 ('98). So I totally know what you mean about the difference in interior space. The Explorer is just designed so much better for hauling people and stuff around. Sometimes I wish I kept the Explorer rather than the WJ. But the WJ is better looking inside and out, and will always be more capable off-road than an Explorer. Did you ever have any trouble with the transmission? From my research, that is a major reason to avoid Gen3s.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Haha, I always hated that before it was my daily. I 100% never thought Id get use to it, I dont even notice it now. Surprising, its not that uncommon in cars, how thats a design feature that ever makes into the real world is beyond me! Yes 3rd gens have trans "issues" Ill actually be addressing that in weeks to come.

[@corysabata4494]

Sad to see it go! I also sub for the explorer content! Dont let go of a good thing! Sell the jeep! Lol

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Ill sell which ever one gets "ready" to sell first, or whichever someone offers to buy first. How about that???

[@jackwillis2245]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks How many miles you can make with Explorer V8?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@jackwillis2245 ???

[@jackwillis2245]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks I have Ford V8 with 200k

[@oscardacardude3901]

What type of lift kit can I use for my 3rd gen? Any links of where to purchase ?

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Still love the body style. Ford nailed it.

[@philz01]

Cool

[@harleyclair98]

I enjoy my 5.0 99 explorer

[@lilporshe]

This car looks cool

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks!

[@kasunharsh2892]

I watched all your explorer videos. They are great. I had a V6 2005 and now I bout a 2003 v8 Eddie Bauer too. You should get your hands on a limited or a Eddie Bauer and do a video!!! Has many unseful extras and it feels like a completely different animal! Thanks

[@elonsus9747]

kasun harsh Did you have any issues with your transmissions with either vehicle? Looking at an 05 Explorer with V6.

[@kasunharsh2892]

@@elonsus9747 no issues at all if you do a educated buy. By v6 ran lot more smoother cause iv used it with the best of my care. The v8 I'm still getting there. Good luck

[@elonsus9747]

kasun harsh Thanks.

[@whydoihave6neutrals772]

kasun harsh no the v6 transmission is the exact same in the third gen just lasts longer cause the motor is weaker. The v8 is the better buy your going to fix the transmission either way might aswell have the power.

[@bamaboyzoutdoors7593]

My oil pump let go at about 165k still sitting waiting on me to put another engine in it. My vision is to set it up like yours it why I subscribed

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yeah that sucks but thanks for subscribing! Ill sell you mine.....

[@bluebeadle1911]

So I have a 2005 explorer. And I want to copy everything you have on this truck. My transmission is having trouble. It won't engage in reverse. What do you think that is?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Hard to say, trans shop should be able to diagnose it. Thanks for watching!

[@luvdacurvyones]

Sounds like you don't have reverse, thus making it incapable of going in reverse. Have you tried putting the transmission in the "R" position? "R" means reverse and not "Really Fast" like my friend told me.

[@robertflores2021]

Have u used a lift kit for the explorer?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3W8mWeXebB0rZI

[@conspicuoustraverser7375]

Explore her!

[@ThraxRedsYT]

How did you do your light bar?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Check my other vids

[@joshshusta2862]

Mine has 117,667 on it starting to replace some things on her 2002 Xlt

[@holyshhh4508]

What size tires are on it

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

265/75-16

[@bradencrosson4693]

I know this video is over a year old, but what is your opinion on the 4.0L V6 version of the 3rd gen?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

My parents had one for years, motor never had a problem. I think they are supposed to be pretty good.

[@mattweeks2272]

They are solid engines if taken care of. If oil isn’t changed routinely (3000mi) then they are known to have timing tensioner issues and failures. This isn’t a big problem in most cases, however the 4.0 in the 3rd and 4th gen explorers has two timing chains and one of them is on the rear of the block. The one on the rear of the block is the more common one to fail and have issues. The only way to repair this is to pull the engine from the truck. However, if taken care of, they are solid engines that can last

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

@@mattweeks2272 Exactly ! I will get a V8. That 4.0 is a converted cam-in-block engine with a jackshaft where the cam used to be. Forget that.

[@BombsAwayMineCraft]

@@mattweeks2272 you can actually do the timing without removing the engine If you push the tranny back a little. I just did a timing job on my 2003. It's pretty in depth and I did remove the engine, but it's possible not to have to remove it

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Headlights still clear are they glass ?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

No just the stock ones

[@titotito-it7bn]

I am thinking about buying toy for the beach, thanks for the information

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

No prob good luck

[@mr.2cents.846]

Sounds racy. ❤️ Is there a big difference between this and the 4yh generation? From what I learned not much.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I dont think theres much parts cross compatibility

[@Adeline9418]

What's your opinion on the 05 Ford Escape?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Not a fan

[@luisvargaslv310]

What remote start did you install ?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

It’s a Viper system. I had it installed professionally

[@luisvargaslv310]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks thank you appreciate it been looking for one but only found the 3 button ones

[@672marcos1]

How much is it lifted?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I love all the lift specs in other videos but 1.5" body lift and about 2.5" suspension.

[@tavofiore]

33 tires ?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

31

[@Aman-rp7yj]

Selling price?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

The no haggle price is probably $4k out the door. Ive got tons of spare parts too.

[@Automage45]

I can fit a full couch in the back of my old explorer

[@Mikekiehl1979]

I have a 2000 awd v8

[@bradh6185]

Is it really that much less off road capable than the other vehicles?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Just depends on what you want to do with it. It 100% does not have very good wheel articulation.

[@coreysworld433]

Cycloneskunkworks

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Next franchise maybe.....

[@mychufr]

Why would you want to sell her?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I did, about 4 years ago.

[@hillboy582]

Sale the jeep!!!! Keep the explorer

[@BayAreaMike99]

Are you say u love the engine now if you had a 4.0 with the damn stupid ass 4 timing chains you would be hating it