I Bought a Broken Mint 1998 Ford Explorer for $500 Can we Fix it?

[@shanebell2256]

The front end grabs like that cuz it's in full wheel drive you need to get the switch out of the dash put it in two wheel drive that's not a all wheel drive you don't want to drive it high way speeds in for wheel drive you will burn tranny up

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

This is all wheel drive

[@JasonAlexander-uz4ns]

98 ford explorer's are all wheel drive the place in the dash is the cigarette lighter there is no switch.

[@JasonAlexander-uz4ns]

Good tires are best and to all be the same tread as it is a all wheel drive

[@glennstiller7616]

@@JasonAlexander-uz4ns No actually there is a switch. Goes from Auto (AWD) to 4 wheel lock and low range. At least on the V8s I've owned so I can't see why this would be any different.

[@SergeDiallo-d6w]

I'm seeing the 95 pontiac bonneville does what l want sir from

[@lilibethdoherty295]

You have to give Ford credit too, this Explorer was solidly made and well Built.

[@jimmcdonald7758]

that is the cleanest explorer ive seen from that generation ive seen in a long time.

[@TheSaltyExplorer]

XL (and later XLS) were the base for Explorers. Then XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited.

[@scottroberts5529]

I believe there was also an XL trim that was rare and that was the even more base model

[@HarleyBadger]

@@scottroberts5529 XL was the base until 2000, when they renamed the base model the XLS.

[@TheSaltyExplorer]

@@HarleyBadger you’re right. I started at Ford around 2000 so I forgot about the change and was used to XLS being the base at the time. I corrected my comment.

[@HarleyBadger]

@@TheSaltyExplorer With all the different models and trims, it's hard to keep up with them! 😅

[@bigmizzymike]

Sport is the 1998 base model

[@2packs4sure]

I had a neighbor who loved their late 90s 5.0 Mercury Mountaineer so much that when they quit making those they bought 2 more mint used ones,, they had 2 in the driveway and one in the garage, lol,,, they really loved em !!!

[@richardbates2367]

The 5.0 mercury mountaineer trucks were awesome and not very common and my sister's truck was unfortunately a 3 valve second version 4.0 V6 and it dropped 3 valves and locked up the motor at 214k miles....

[@austinreeves9112]

​@@richardbates2367it's all about maintenance, I own 2 4.0's. I have a 2000 Mountaineer and a 1999 Explorer and the Mercury has the 4.0 SOHC and the Ford is a 4.0 OHV, they are both more reliable than the 5.0, it will leak fluid a lot faster and engine will wear out quicker than the 4.0. just saying.

[@alb12345672]

@@austinreeves9112 I dd a 96 EB (all toys, added a 7" nav) w/4.0L OHV. Runs great. 4.0's crack heads but it is a repair you can do in your garage with an improved head. Just simple bolt on. I have 4.10s LS, good for some light offroad with 4 low.

[@malibuconv1968]

I have an '06 Mountaineer 4.0 with Full Leather, 2nd row Captain Seats and 3rd Row seating. I've had it for 8 years and LOVE it.

[@AlexRodriguez-5.0xplo]

I got an 98 xlt 5.0 and it has over 300,000 miles on it love it! But is not as mint as this one ! Sadly

[@benvolman4976]

Nice to have good friends who show up when you're down from health issues , big thanks to them. I used to find great deals on Ford's that just needed a little work. Problem was it never ends. You'll be happy to see it's taillights driving away eventually. The explorer is in amazing shape, good episode. Thanks again to Mike Santa and del

[@Jon_2218]

Thanx again to Monkey Wrench Mike, he did the majority of the work on this vid, Del contributed some as did Randy while Santa stood by laughing scratching his belly.

[@austinreeves9112]

It's not like an old Chevy, where you can just zip tie things up and spray some smell good chemicals into the engine and spank the dash until the gauges or lights work and then go on for another 10 years.

[@carlbernard4197]

SCORE!!!! Am glad you got that Explorer for $550! That is awesome 😊😊😊❤

[@tinkerstrade3553]

It's a good deal. But those fees are nuts. Highway Robbery! 😮

[@fpereyra7603]

Randy make sure the switch or slide under the rear view mirror at 47:33 is off or all the way to the left my parents had an 99 Explorer Limited back in the early 2000 and the same thing happened to us the light would not turn off because of that slide being all the way to the right which was the auto headlights we didn’t know it had that feature at all I remember like it was yesterday and mind you this was back in 03-04.

[@Koditomas1]

Same exact Explorer as mine! Just different color. I have 112,000 miles on my V8 and it almost looks new

[@gerry-p9x]

Firestone tires on orig were the killers blowing out killing when they flipped

[@cjmarsh504]

That Explorer was someone's pride and joy. Take care of that low mileage explorer

[@WWRD1234]

You guys working together is the best. I had a 96 explore for 13 years. Love love love love love you show

[@coinhunter3758]

That one's a keeper Randy for sure, can't go wrong with a good quality Ford.

[@charliemartin-k7m]

The only thing ford had issue with was there Transmissions.

[@masonbarto4003]

Not as bad as Chevys

[@alb12345672]

@@charliemartin-k7m Not the v8. Extremely rare for a 4r70w (crown vic) trans to fail. That truck has another 300K easy with the 5.0L. It is more reliable than Toyota.

[@michaelparker2225]

Had one of these,My only major repairs were ball joints. Loved this car! Ford made them good back then.the engine is the best ford ever made. Had the same engine in a 89 town car and loved that as well!

[@jgill1175]

@michaelparker2225 Absolutely spot on. My family owned TONS of these back when they were new. Currently have a 97 & 01 5.0’s & your def spot on about the ball joints. My 01 is currently on its 2nd set (Moog’s) and they are currently in need of replacement again. Even at 232k, it doesn’t leak or burn a drop of anything, cold ac & runs down the road like the day it was new.

[@lukehazelbaker5897]

I have a huge soft spot for these explorers. I had 2 when I was younger, a 1997 and a 2000. both limited trim, v6 4wd. In my personal opinion best vehicles I had, I never had a problem out of both of them besides a fuel pump on 1. One had 140,000 on it and the other had 100,000 I love these type of vids and deff would love to see more of these. As always love the content🤘🤘

[@Dismantledgarage]

There are gems out there like that i scored a 2001 ford f150 1 owner garage kept 115k miles i put minimal work into it and she is an awesome daily that will be with me a long time take care of that gem!!!!! Good score

[@HarleyBadger]

For 1998, the XL was the base, XLT was mid-level, and the top of the line were the mostly-equal Limited and Eddie Bauer trims. The main difference between the Limited and Eddie Bauer was the Eddie Bauer added 2-tone paint and a set of luggage.

[@Stevesrcreview]

Yep

[@gerry-p9x]

Yeah when the Firestone tires weren't. Popping and blowing. And flipping the explorers. Big recall in 2k where tires replaced...Even on new one less than. 5k miles dealers replaced 3 outa four. Tires

[@HarleyBadger]

@@gerry-p9x Whoo ain't that the truth! I remember those days

[@jacobdenk8749]

Such a great looking truck. Amazing there’s no rust on it either. I’ve got a 2000 Eddie Bauer AWD that’s been in my family since new, currently has 304k on it still going strong. Also have a 99 Eddie Bauer 2WD with 203k. Both have the 5.0 just like yours, they’re great engines

[@armons.355]

I loved every minute of this!! This may not be important but check to see if the fog lights work too! Can’t wait to see more of this!!!

[@channels740]

Very nice Explorer, I remember when that body style first came out. I am betting the wobble is from worn bushings on the track bar which is an easy fix. Good way to check is lay down and watch the front end while having someone rock the steering wheel side to side.

[@justinerdman7594]

My first car. Same color l,motor and AWD. Good purchase!

[@austinreeves9112]

Ford had 4 wheel drive back then. They didn't offer full on, "all wheel drive" the dude doesn't know what he's talking about. That hole in the dash was where the cigar lighter goes.

[@NewJerseyPhiladelphiaDelaware]

A beautiful explorer for a great price ! Mint and will soon be a collectable. Well optioned and a great eye you have for these classic vehicles Randy!

[@Fransais]

Had my 97 XLT v6 ohv 4wd for 10 years now. Great trucks. Love it

[@MZ-hw2gj]

Great find on the explorer. It's always great to see Monkey Wrench Mike helping you out on projects.

[@pontiac_montana]

One of if not my favourite Gen Explorer. I don't know why but I love the bubbly design and who can hate on such a reliable vehicle? Yes, this thing may rust away long before the engine gives out but that's what makes this one so special! Gems like this deserve to be saved!

[@furmanmackey5479]

In 1997 a real estate agent/developer in the little town I lived and worked in purchased a 1998 Explorer XLT (his was a dark green but otherwise identical to yours) and set it up exactly the same way (phones) as yours. A year later he had to pay a local tow company some serous cash to pull his truck out of a muddy construction site because the electronic 4X4 system failed. It took an independent (not shade tree) mechanic to figure out what had gone wrong with his Explorer. It turned out that there was a mother board, located behind the dash, that had failed. It took four tries before the 4X4 system came back to life because the first three mother boards, all ordered from FOMOCO, were also defective out of the box. It took almost five months to get the 4X4 system back online thanks to the failure prone electronics. In 2001 The agent developer basically said, "Screw this noise!" after the 4X4 system failed yet again and traded his Explorer in on a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4 which he still owns and utilizes/drives daily in his business and personal life.

[@georgegeorgoudis2749]

Greetings from Australia. I have a 1997 UN Explorer XL 4WD, 4.0lt V6 (OHV) with 5 speed Manual Transmission (I had bought it new back in Nov 1997 and has 175,000Km). It was parked and off the road from 2011 and I recently got it back on the road in January 2024. My boys are grown up and driving and wanted to use it for fishing and camping trips. Fuel was obviously very stale and the fuel hose from the fuel pump at the fuel sender in the tank was soft and had split due to age and stale fuel so was not able to get fuel pressure and fuel to the injectors. I replaced the fuel pump and the little high pressure hose at the pump, filled with clean fresh fuel and it ran beautifully. Its not a daily driver and love driving it. Yours is a beauty. I love it. Especially with the V8 Enjoy. In Australia the UN's only came in V6, - 4Lt OHC with Automatic (XLT and Limited) and the 4Lt OHV with Manual - stick shift (on the base XL models. Regards, George.

[@alexflosho]

38:28 Man, Randy, I hate to play “Captain Safety” but safety is definitely important. Is there a reason Mike’s pouring from the jerry can into a funnel into the Exploder instead of just going straight in? Lots of unnecessary fuel vapors going into the air there.

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

Yes, there is a reason. My fuel cans do not fit most gas tanks. It's fine, there's no safety concern.

[@NoahClay6]

That Explorer is definitely worth hanging onto for a real long while. The shape its in is also amazing. Love that interior especially being that original! Can't wait for more videos on this one!

[@thomaslibonati]

That thing is nice! I’d love to have it. The whole phone setup is so cool!

[@jgill1175]

Randy the XLT was the mid level package for the Explorers. XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer & Limited. The XLTs could be optioned with most of the goodies though(Leather, Sunroof Ect). On the V8 5.0’s they got the GT-40 intake & heads(which the Mustang GT’s didn’t). Also the V8 edition were equipped with either 2wd or full time All Wheel drive. I actually own a couple of them 97 & 01 & drive them regularly. Damn good looking Explorer-be glad to take her off your hands once your done with it💯

[@johnd.535]

Glad y'all got her running. I have a 2000 Ford Explorer sport. Had it since 2014. Still running strong In 2024.

[@j2kinflarc768]

I bought almost the same exact Explorer in 99 that was returned from a one year lease. The only differences are the stripe was different and mine had the power moon roof. That tint is factory smoked glass. The stereo has an amplifier and sounded great at the time. I really loved that truck. Sadly mine was stolen about 2 years after I bought it. This is the first time I’ve seen one so close to the one I owned. I have looked a few times to find one and never have.

[@Mike060504]

Had to rewind that start up 5 times, so satisfying

[@ronmiller80]

I had 2000 Explorer XLT 2WD. Loved it, sad the insurance company totalled it after I was in an accident with 3 other cars. I bought it new and the odometer was at 332K when I had the accident. The V8 is bulletproof but the water pump tends to weep coolant just before it dies. When you sell it I'd like a chance to buy it, I miss my old Explorer. You got a great deal on your Explorer. This will be an interesting vehicle to see get repaired. The hole in the dash is for the cigarette lighter. They may have used it to power the phone charger.

[@danielbritschock3873]

Hi Randy! That's a nice Explorer. The XLS is the base trim. The XLT is the middle package. This one happens to be more loaded than the average.🙂

[@BiGJohnnyB]

Hey Randy...just to put it out there in my opinion cause I don't know if you realized bein you was so excited....I think this Ford Explorer be a great first vehicle for Nick or it could work great for your daughter...it's in great condition an has plenty of room...it be perfect for either of them....

[@anthonydiaz3350]

Love these type of videos, bringing a broken car or non-running car back to life nice work sir and you lost so much weight looking good buddy. Now my wife wants me to lose just as much weight lol

[@bradzimmerman3171]

@anthony look into Carnivore diet do it right and all your troubles will disappear,I found out about a year ago-it’s amazing ( unless you’re vegan, then you will have to be completely re-educated)

[@markhobby7481]

I had this exact Explorer, Great car Randy! I got mine at 80k miles and finally sold it just before 200k!! It was the 4.0 engine that had all the problems with the timing chain tensioner.

[@IKhanNot]

Mike's wheezy laugh is the best

[@dustinsersch7953]

To remove the bezel from the radio and climate control there is 2 screws above the climate controls. Every explorer had the exact same dash. The hole in the bezel is the cigarette lighter. On the v6 4x4 models, the 4x4 selector would be left side of the bezel in the same placement of the rear wiper moter. The dimmer control for the dash lights is the dial to the right of the headlight switch.

[@najee1100]

Hey Randy love the video glad to see the crews all together working for a common goal. I don’t like those fees that was like 92% of what you paid for the SUV 😢wow they need to do way better anyway great work thanks again.

[@edwardmills4985]

Hi Randy My father inlaw has one of these trucks here in New Zealand, he purchased a Mazda cx9 and they offer him $500 trade in for his Ford,so he kept it for a run around. He is a retired mechanic and he is keeping it running. He orders parts from the US when he needs too. It is a right hand drive truck that I think he imported from Japan.

[@kevindoxey]

I had one just that nice and wish I never sold it! When you removed the cover in the rear to show the hitch wire there was a red sticker with numbers on it. I'll bet that is the keyless entry code!

[@WiscoSledheads]

Reminds me of my 99 two tone explorer, Eddie Bauer… with the 5.0. Was my first vehicle, dad bought it as a demo… still running today after we sold it with nearly 200k miles… now has over 400k 😅

[@trbstang]

This looks great Randy! I might have to renew my Copart account when you put this one up for sale. I've always liked these.

[@nikkolaus]

My mom had one of these when i was a kid... Same color too! ..Pretty sure the Trans crapped out right after 100,000 miles... 34:25 ....Geniuses.... ...Let's make a spark, with a battery pack, using 2 exposed wires right next to a tank we just drained of combustible fluid, with vapors probably still emanating from the container less than 6 inches away... Grreeeeat idea...

[@bk_goatkim679]

Love seeing MWM for this! Keep it up randy and Mike we love the collab 😂❤. Love the 4-way collab it’s so awesome seeing Santa too

[@KSmove]

Love your videos man. You seem like a very genuine person. Inspired me to buy 12 cars from Copart so far. You win some you lose some.

[@jaredmeyers2729]

The rearview mirror has a timer for the headlights slid it all the way to the left for them to shut off quicker.

[@michaellambie8427]

Always a great time with these guys . Great friendship, love the explorer. Owned a two door version.

[@larryisntmynamebutyoucanca9625]

A guy I knew a couple years ago gave me his 01 Explorer XLS FOR FREE! It had 160k miles on it and he said it was on its last leg, but I've kept up on repairs at pick n pull and maintained it, and so far it's lasted me 10k solid miles! Great car!

[@haskellburks]

Hello Randy and Mike aka Monkey Wrench Mike. You got the 1998 Ford Explorer is a good looking SUV. It's got a good looking interior. Hello Mike aka Sant's Workshop and Delbert.

[@entropyfan5714]

Never thought I'd watch a near hour long video about a Ford Explorer. No regrets though, that thing is mint.

[@austinreeves9112]

Why? Explorers have always been awesome.

[@ajlandin1993]

Great video Randy ❤❤❤❤ please do more ford truck videos I miss them

[@BiggityC]

Monkey Wrench Mike is such a good friend. So happy to see his friend win and when his friend Randy loses they both lose. This is a Duo I hope never drift apart.

[@t.l.robinson2162]

Excellent!! Your Explorer sounds perfect.

[@frankm8533]

Always liked those i currently drive one but 2door 5spd V6 I love it drives so nice

[@patrickvanwinkle1173]

I thought that it had an exhaust on it but it was just that Harley cruising by lol. I was like dam that sounds pretty good then that rode past y’all in the background lol

[@emilp.wilson294]

If its full time 4x4 or all wheel drive there would be no switch. I believe on the back of the transfer case there might be a selector switch. That hole is for the cigarette lighter

[@austinreeves9112]

They didn't have full time 4 wheel drive in that model, the next gen did though.

[@kentevans4218]

Yep....I have the exact same rig....it's a full time 4 wd....otherwise know as AWD

[@georgegeorgoudis2749]

It is called control track, it is a constant 4WD system ( Auto 4WD, High 4WD and Low 4WD selected by a switch in the dash) and in Auto mode, it transfers power from front to back depending on slip. I have tried many times to get mine to loose traction and spin the wheels, as soon as it starts to slip it transfers power to the non slipping axle (it also uses the ABS sensors to detect loss of traction - pretty smart tech for the day). It sticks to the road like "shit to a blanket" as we say here in Australia. This is the reason why I purchased mine.

[@countryguyusa273]

A good vehicle for Nick?? You seem so happy & just enjoying yourself. Good find & good video!

[@rudypernas7962]

that was really funny to see mikes face when u told him what was he doing love it poor mike he is so nice just like all of you.

[@HerbOldenburg]

Nice one here - Thx for sharing - its the Randy & Mike Show - another classic and what a steal of a Ford - wow-

[@locotrucker46]

It sounds really good when it fires up.

[@barnabius]

You guys make a great team! Reminds me of my grandpa’s 97 he had when I was a kid. The seating position felt a lot more like a truck than my mom’s 4Runner and it had a nice rumble to it. Looking back, I think it may have been the V8

[@2003cobramustang]

This explorer is beautiful Randy! Hopefully it’s something simple to get it running! Good to see Mike in the video! Just amazing how nice this 5.0 ford is! What a gem!

[@hunterwaldroup6403]

The door code on that truck can be found in the back beside the jack in that little panel, and you can also press 1-2 and 3-4 and look the doors.

[@JacksonG-km4rt]

My first car was an explorer. I love seeing this one is such good condition.

[@williamc2553]

What a find! I had a 96 Explorer I absolutely loved. Beautiful rig.

[@paulelrod6168]

Please take care of yourself because I really enjoy your show and I hope you find more great deals like this. You and Monkeywrench Mike should team up and do more stuff together. God bless

[@mikesharp8653]

Awesome job guys. Lovin' that exploder!

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

These Explorers are awesome. What a score! Survivor.

[@mds2465]

btw, those cars the lights will go out usually after 90 seconds. Also sometimes on some cars they only go off when the parking brake is set. Not sure why they did that but I do remember those 2 features.

[@michaelsaint9181]

Good to see Monkey Balls back doing yard work.

[@richieballard4599]

Great Job Guys got it running

[@Evan-df5mo]

that fallen in part was a cigarette lighter. im not all the way through so if you covered it up already, sorry lol. im at 46:40 just a tip

[@alternatemusicaddict5226]

Got the same explorer 98. with the 4.0 sohc, great car always starts up even in winter except the day I was supposed to leave for christmas, 7 hours later through rusty bolts and working on the ground in snow got a new pump in it.

[@thevacdude]

XL was the base, XLT was the mid level, Eddie Bauer was the luxury trim and Limited was the top of the line trim. 1999-2001 replaced the XL with XLS.

[@williamcochell9889]

OMG Randy! Boy did you score a deal there unbelievable! I think you need to pack your bags and head for Vegas. What luck! Actually, it’s not luck it’s your skill that brought it back to life And what a fantastic video! Great content! the return of the dynamic duo bringing a car back to life, Santa appears, you are looking really healthier than you’ve looked in a long time!

[@renoflames]

That Truck is as clean as my 2010 2500 HD Ext Cab LWB with 300,000 miles. My truck is a bit cleaner. No wear inside or out. My Daily driver.

[@stang89617]

What a clean,rare truck! Nice.

[@justinayers4620]

awesome man love the new car man That Explorer runs again

[@timmyG915]

Sorry about what you went through...But now you will take care of yourself...reason for everything. good luck Randy!

[@dustinsersch7953]

The gray piece in the arm rest goes behind the door handle. If I recall correctly in the walk around at IAA the piece behind the drivers inside door handle was missing, which I'm positive is where that piece goes

[@CarringtonHollister]

Randy, you and Mike are super entertaining 😂

[@MikeJohn-tb1yp]

Your the man randy I'm looking at 1982s-1994s american- japanese

[@BigJon22091]

Really liked these trucks back in the day. It’s nice to see a near mint condition one. It’d be really cool to find a Limited Version of these. Great Find, Randy.

[@gregorybosiljcic6971]

Great find Randy! Hoping this ends up on Copart sooner than later, I'm bidding for sure 😂

[@austinmitchell1586]

I have a near Mint 2000 XLT with a 148k. 4.0 SOHC. Love these.

[@paulmckinney6163]

Randy and Mike = content gold 🥇

[@josephalexander5133]

I swear this video means so much to me. I had a 96 V8 Eddie Bauer for 5 years , I loved it until I had to junk her.😢

[@lorenzotaylor2144]

The Ford Explorer XLT came with automatic headlights. Sometime with Alexis, came with a CD an a.m. FM radio and power windows

[@ianmccarraher6505]

Nice find Randy, i would definitely keep this one

[@LSRG-YT--LandonSRobloxGaming]

6:59 out of all the A pillar stuff I've seen, I've never and I mean NEVER have seen a telephone that comes from the A pillar

[@peterkwok9608]

Good job Randy and Monkey wrench Mike 😎😎👍👍

[@darkwing4475]

Hi Randy,,, I noticed that you were in a gradual turn when the shimmy started,, If this is an all wheel drive vehicle, then the transfer case might need fresh fluid,,, It would need to be special for the slip clutch that allows for the difference between axle speeds when turning,,, Very nice ride,, I would definitely keep it and do the minor repairs to keep it in top shape,, :-)

[@MartinScreeton]

I currently own a 1998 Ranger XLT 4x4 off road, the hole there (I think) should be your selectable switch from 2h, 4H, 4L... however if it's all-time 4 wheel that may be just a PowerPoint as well... but that is exactly where my switch is.

[@martinvalencia6141]

There is a problem with the viscous coupler on the explorer. That is most likely why it was parked by the previous owner. The VC controls the amount of power sent to the front and rear wheels. When they go bad, that binding feeling when you turn sharp presents itself.

[@SuperVoxman]

What a great looking car , I love these old Explorers . You'[ve got the buy of the century there .

[@armadilllo]

Had one exactly like it. Wish I never got rid of it. The guy we sold it to was still driving it until he died a few months ago, I still have a set of never used keys, alarm fob, the tow wires, and rear cover in the box in the garage. We only had 59,000 miles on it when we sold it two years ago. I replaced the elbow into the water pump that was leaking, that's probably where the weeping is coming from, they were known for that. I also dropped the fuel tank once and replaced the pump

[@grahamalldred7769]

Hi Randy. You sound alot better ❤. Well done brother. This was a great buy . Keep well.