Why I bought a 2002 Gen3 Ford Explorer

I lay out why I choose a Ford Explorer as my all around daily driver, family hauler and part time off roader.
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[@billydesmond29]

Good video. The Explorer does have a following which is mostly people who found this is a great vehicle. I am the original owner of a 2002 Explorer Limited 4.6L 4WD. Every time I would go out of town and drive a rental car, even though the rental car would be fairly new, I would be so pleased to get back to the Explorer. A few years ago, the Explorer began to look run down & it was smelly. Mechanically it had been kept up, so I decided to start refurbishing the Explorer and try and make it almost new again. I did some really nice improvements and it didn’t cost that much (it was a lot of my own labor). I’d like to share what was done and maybe it’ll provide others some ideas of what they could do with their Explorer: - Just vacuuming it didn’t get the deep-down stains especially under the seats, so all the seats were removed and everything was cleaned using soapy water and a shop vac, even the head liner was cleaned. - Renewed the interior using a product called “Colorbond” The original factory colors were matched and it came out looking and feeling new. No more faded looks. ~$200 - The driver’s electric seat had become stuck. It cost around $600 for a new one, but mostly it had been discontinued. I went to a junk yard and picked up a front seat for $15 and a few other finds to help restore my car. - Replaced the front seat covers with custom leather car upholstery seating made specifically for my model and year Explorer. These weren’t just seat covers, the old factory leather upholstery had to be peeled off the seats and the new ones pulled and tugged into place pull the new leather. I got the new seats on Ebay for about $250. The steering wheel was also re-covered ~$15 and everything was color matched using the Colorbond. - Both Interior and Exterior lighting were getting dim. At night I couldn’t find anything in the car because it was just too dark. Replaced every light on the Explorer with new LED lighting. The lighting was actually cheap but it made a huge difference. The interior lighting was noticeably and aesthetically pleasing. The exterior lights made the car seem like it was a much newer car. At night you can always tell if an older or newer car is approaching because the older vehicles all have dull yellow halogen type bulbs. The newer cars all have bright LED lighting. After replacing my headlights with LEDs I could see about 4x as far with standard lights and 10x as far using the bright lights. After replacing the other exterior lights on the Explorer, the lights are much brighter and I have been told it is more quickly noticeable when I signal to make a turn. Replacing all the lights was less than $75. - Got 2 cans of black spray paint for cars and painted my exterior trim (first I taped the trim off). Quick, easy and inexpensive improvement. - Goodbye to using Armoral or other cheap oily things on my plastics. Hello to 303 and Pearl (that’s the name of the products) These products protect and bring the life back to plastics and vinyls, and their effects last for several months. - Replaced the original factory stereo (only one speaker still worked) with a unit from Crutchfield. Crutchfield recommended speakers which were made for Explorers, the speakers actually direct the sound to fill the cabin. The stereo unit itself is plugged into a backup camera and the display changes to show the backup view whenever it is put into reverse. The system also has Bluetooth which lets me enjoy hands free chatting on calls while I’m driving. So big deal last decades cars, mine does all that too. Because I ordered an open box unit, the car stereo and components were only about $300. - The thought of painting the Explorer crossed my mind, but I decided to get a action car polisher and detailing products. This helped make the Explorer regain admirers again! - I got a new set of tires. This might be considered just maintenance. OK so, my younger brother has been a police officer for 25 years, he saw the condition of my old tires and said, “you know, I have yet to unbuckle a corpse from a car with good tires, people with good tires tend to avoid accidents. Billy, you have what we call corpse tires”. Then my little brother told me he would be happy to buy me tires if I couldn’t afford them. I got new tires from Walmart the next day and they add to the cars appeal, improve driving and help me feel safer (and no, my little brother didn’t buy them, but my priorities were revisited after our little chat). - Now when someone gets in my car they usually say something like “nice car”. I smile and say Thank you.

[@JMLindley]

I use to have a ‘02 Explorer XLT V6 2wd with 3.73 limited slip. I had it for a long time (12yrs). It was overall a good car; but it came with its share of problems thats for sure!! To many repairs to list..lol. I can say though it never left me on the side of the road. But in the end it was turning into a never ending money pit so I got rid of it. I currently have a ‘97 Explorer Eddie Bauer v6 4wd with 4.10 limited slip rear end. Love it!! I bought it in ‘15 with only 35k on it, MINT condition & one owner. :) In my opinion the 1st & 2nd gen explorers are tougher & more reliable than the 3rd gen & beyond from what I’ve experienced. The only thing I miss about my 3rd gen is the extra room it had. I would love to find a mint low mileage 1st gen Eddie Bauer.

[@Dee__money__123]

2003 ford explorer xlt with 88kmiles. Got it from the original owner and I love it. Got new tires put on today.

[@nonstopclapsify6808]

How long does a full tank of gas last u?

[@codyc722]

I have an '05 XLT 4.6 4x4 and love it. It's blue without the off color body molding.

[@toddepperson7465]

I just bought an 02,loaded,4 door,4 wheel drive,power everything,sunroof,third row seating. Yeah,I'm stoked about it and yes,it's white. Can't wait to get back home to start playing around with it. Got a 87 jeep cheerokee and a 96 gmc. Both a 4 wheel drive and the the jeep is the square body,I've went crazy on it and hoping to do the same thing to the gmc and the explorer,that'll be the cruise machine. Anyway you need the mini van

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

No mini van. ever.

[@silverback2773]

2000 Ford Explorer xlt with 248000 it’s still goin strong for the last year and a half. I have had to replace normal things that will go out such as alternator radiator thermostat but all this was done myself to save money. However every time I get in the car it starts up and gets where I need it to get me love the car and will soon be lifting the rear ended and putting 2 inch spacers

[@cdk2678]

I found another man who loves ford, YES!!!!!🤘🤙🤘🤙🤘

[@mychufr]

There’s alot of us out there!!

[@supersnot4]

We scored our 2003 Explorer V8 ~mid-2021 for $4000 right at the start of the used car price hike. Our other vehicles are a 1989 F-250 and 2009 Escape hybrid, but we needed something that can tow a small horse trailer while also hauling all 3 of us comfortably. We bought a 2001 F-250 5.4, which was nice, but we both preferred driving the Escape because of the cargo area. I waited patiently for a V8 to become available and jumped on it when I found it. Sold the F-150 about a week later and lost no money on it. Funny thing is, the Explorer's tow capacity is only about 500lbs less than our F-150's was. The only thing I've found wrong with the Explorer so far is the transfer case is bad (stuck partially in 4WD). I just removed the front driveshaft for now until I get the motivation to replace it. Other than that, it runs and drives fantastic and we really have zero complaints.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Congratulations 👍👍😎

[@27Zangle]

Just got an 03 XLT for free from my sister. She bought a new car and didn't want to deal with trading it in or selling it private party. It needs some minor mechanical work but over it is in really great shape. The interior and exterior are 8/10 and mechanically it's a 6/10. Was going to repair and sell it for a profit but honestly, after driving 520 miles home through some rough roads and weather, I have decided to repair and keep it. It looks nice, rides nice, and runs like a top minus the minor oil leak and ujoint that needs to be replaced. The wife is rather happy with it as an extra vehicle and the kiddos like space.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

MrWaffles free=great deal

[@benjaminslayton4335]

Just rolled 200k on my 2004 Eddie Bauer Explorer. I also have the V8. It runs great. Just had to replace one coil recently, but nothing big.

[@sp0rtbilly77]

have you done the timing yet?

[@phillippardo5712]

Thinking of getting a silver one now. Guys asking $1800. It's a 2004, with the 4.6L v8 Eddie Bauer 4wD. 180k.

[@DavidStewart-np3cj]

They are sweet cars. Mine's a 2003 4.0 with 150k miles on the clock. The only defect is wheel bearings they will go out, all 4 at some point. And make sure to stay on top with transmission fluid changes on these and use only Motorcraft fluid. They are a little finicky. But when it runs good that 5 speed tranny is silky smooth with the perfect ratios. And the truck as a whole is extremly quiet on highway. I wish they still made them.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

At this point Im pretty sure I could change the wheel bearings and trans fluid in my sleep. Going to be digging in the the transmission here in the next week or so for some upgrades. Stay tuned!

[@kyledup2451]

I have a 2001 ford explorer sport 4.0 v6 lifted on 33s and Its honestly my favorite suv I have ever owned!!!

[@willieguisado9155]

Kyle Dup what lift did you do to it? I have a 2002 explorer v8 and want 33 on it but don't know what lift to do.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Strut spacers and body lift would get you 33's with the least amount of inner fender and body molding trimming.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thats awesome!

[@dquarrels]

Can you please help me with leaf spacers.i have a 2002 explorer

[@whydoihave6neutrals772]

dekenton quarrels you don’t have 2002 if you have leaf springs buddy

[@dabradguy]

amen on the no mini van. I'm like you. Ford guy for no reason at all. I ended up with a flex limited instead of the explorer (that 3rd row), but just got an 04 escape for some light 4x4 duty. It's all about the car that works for you.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Overall I like the 4th generation better. BUT, I like the shape of the 3rd gen better. Like the shorter nose, the front axle close to the front and that it seems to have an overall smaller footprint. Looks like it is just a little bit larger than the 2010 2nd gen Escape. Which I love very much.

[@420february9]

Love my 05 Ford explorer xlt

[@MADEMAN-hv9zs]

420February ME TOO LOL.. IS YOUR B-DAY ON FEB? MINES IS THE 20TH😏

[@powerhousegaming9286]

The boldness of you wanting a 2002 3rd Gen Explorer, out of all years.... Jokes and automotive problems aside, 3rd Gen Explorers are hardy little SUV's when you get 'em working right. Even the V6 kicks ass.

[@rockymountboy]

I regret selling my 98 4-door XLT 4x4. Perfect size for me, solid rear axle, well thought-out interior. Even the stock clearance was good for me (over 8"). I still think about buying a 2001 with the 302 and swapping in the electric select transfer case from a v6 and putting in LSDs front & rear.

[@tylermclaughlan4104]

just bought an 02 limited. love the beast lol

[@covid-mx9ng]

Yaaaa but will it run crysis???

[@tylermclaughlan4104]

xXsail hatinXx well I have a 2015 explorer and a 2016 escape now so this is a little outdated 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@covid-mx9ng]

@@tylermclaughlan4104 15' exploder has the ecopunk turbo engine rite??? Same engine that's in the gt premium Ecoboost v6 mustang???

[@Pewpewpew1991]

Iv had a 2004 limited before and I loved it but had to sell, now I'm looking to buy the same 04 doesn't have to be a limited ... shopping for cars can be frustrating.. you realy gotta strike when it first gets posted. The good ones go fast

[@zacharycote675]

awesome to have a youtuber that replies and swaps info with his subscribers ! and content is amazing keep up the great work !

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks I appreciate it! Us DIY guys (and gals) gotta stick together. #moretimethanmoney

[@NickTarterOKC]

I'm looking into buying one of these because I need more room for my growing family. I've got an F250 that is my beast so I really just need it to be a family hauler with some overlanding capabilities. Looks like it would be a good option for me.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Buy mine....

[@claudiofagundes9502]

I'm wondering something about the option between and explorer with a V8 4.6 versus an expedition with the V8 4.6 I know the expedition is going to offer more space and a higher towing capacity and load capacity but what is the payoff on MPGs is it a drastic difference or not really because if not really the better option would be an expedition I'm just curious because I've had one but mine had the 5.4 l engine which drink gas like you would not believe

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yeah I had a 97 F150 with that Triton 5.4 and mileage was not fantastic. Expedition was just to big for what I wanted to do.

[@robruprecht2915]

Enjoying your explorer videos. Been using my 05 limited v8 (advanced track RSC?) to tow my 14x7' trailer for junk removal company. I've recently started to hear a high pitched squealing when driving at slow speeds. Any ideas or recommendations on upgrades? Been warned about hauling with automatic transmission but my only other option is a 99f350 superduty srw 5.4l Triton custom boxtruck. . . Which honestly seems like it's falling apart and i'm babying, so havent added a hitch behind box.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks for watching! Check the rear diff oil, could be brakes or the the E brake inside the rear rotor.

[@PistonShack]

It was interesting to listen... tnx

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks, hope it helped.

[@paradigmshift9166]

Hi, Can you please advise on which year ford explorer is the best and can get over 200,000 with the original engine and transmission. I want to be a used SUV, but can't afford a Japanese one. Thanks🙂✌

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Well thats a lot to talk about. I would probably say an early second gen, that 4.0 was fantastic and the trans was good too. You could also go with a second gen v8 and swap the AWD T-case with a manual F150 case. At 200k pretty much anything is going to be somewhat "iffy" because its going to boil down to abuse and maintenance from previous owners. If youre ok with that many miles I really think you could get into a 3rd gen 4runner and definitely a gen 1.5 xterra, that would be fantastic.

[@gizmoman2008]

i had an 05 xlt v6 that i absolutely loved, switched to a grand cherokee that ended up getting totaled, looking at a private listing that is pretty much a twin to my old explorer except its a v8 and has four wheel drive, 3rd gen explorers are really good vehicles and from my own opinion i hated the 4th and 5th gen explorers

[@shanelowrey3677]

What is the best way to go about lifting like 2.5 inches without having to switch all suspension? Trying to fit some AT 265/70/17

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Only option for 2.5" is strut spacer really.

[@Adeline9418]

Is it good on gas?

[@mr.2cents.846]

God bless you and your family brother.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

thanks

[@thewallaces9110]

That exhaust note sounds pretty good.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks I really like it too.

[@420february9]

I love fordsssss

[@RacoonEggMcoc]

I just got an amazing 2002 Ford Explorer 4x4 4.6L XLT 167k miles independent rear suspension and leather seats amazing condition for 500 bucks amazing condition. Some wierd issues misfiring cylinder (hopefully is a coil pack) and leaking rear differential (aaaaa) I fucking love it

[@MAGWolf]

Why would the value come back you ask? because they still have a frame and were fairly reliable unlike the newer RangeRover body style unibody Pile of Crossover ford offers now.

[@thepalmerfamily512]

Oh yeah I just purchased a 2004 Ford explorer Eddie Bauer edition 4.6 liter I can't find the dip stick to check the transmission fluid and help

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

There isnt one. You have to pull the inner part of the drain plug when its at temp and try to pump some in, if it spits it out then its full. It sounds worse than it is, theres tons of videos out there on how to do it.

[@jaysayers2176]

Thanks for the vid, I'm currently looking for a vehicle and my reasons for looking at the explorer are the same as yours. I found a loaded XLT silver on tan 03 with 127km on it, I live in southern B.C so it has zero rust issues. It's very clean, but it's a 4.0. I can't find a clean v8 for less than 8k here and they all have more kilometers, this one is priced at 5... Just wondering if I should go for it in your opinion or hold out. Thanks!

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Sounds like its a definite contender! The only bad thing about the V6 model is that they dont come with 3.73 gears or a limited slip rear diff.

[@jaysayers2176]

Weird this one had 3:73/LS on the window sticker, turned out to be nothing like it was in the pictures though. Checking out another one tomorrow, same model with 117k and one owner, less options but it also has 3:73 LS on the tag in the pictuers. Maybe it was a one year only thing? They are both silver XLT trim models from 03 with factory 17's

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Sweet! You can always check the tag on the rear end and see what it says or call a Ford dealer with the VIN# and they can look up what its equipped with.

[@TheFiremonkeyman]

so at 5:35, you're saying once you try LSD, you won't go back? I love my 02 explorer.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Its a gate-way, Im ready to move to a Spartan...haha!

[@cyppy7473]

This was the car my mom got when i was born. And so its the same age as me. And it broke. The transmission was shot. But she fixed it after getting a new car and so now its mine. Cant wait till i can drive it in two yreas

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Awesome!

[@cyppy7473]

Thx dude

[@bronzebackanglerharden3482]

Please respomd!! Does the 3rd gen have irs?? 02???

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

All 3rd gen (4-door) are IFS and IRS.

[@steveniedowicz8335]

My explorer has 3.73 gears? Is this only the limited edition?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I think all 3rd gen V8's had 3.73's

[@1970borntorun]

This is my favorite Generation for the Explorer. The V6 is weak and underpowered, be patient and look for the V8 option!! :) I like this Generation best mainly because the styling in and out is very simple and clean, and the classic lines have really stood the test of time the best of ALL the Generations. Also, For some bizarre reason Ford in recent years had decided to engage in a silent contest with Acura to see who can cram as MANY buttons on a steering wheel as Humanly-possible lol

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

haha good points

[@edgartaylor7421]

We're all the V8s 4WD/AWD or did they make a 2WD V8, plus how much can the V8 tow?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Im not sure if they made a 2wd v8 gen3. If I remember correctly the towing capacity is 6500 lb. I think that would be pushing it though.

[@thomastraicoff21]

Edgar Taylor I have an 02 v8 rwd. Couldn’t be happier

[@kylerable1651]

Would you have considered a 4th gen 4Runner with a V8 and 3rd row seats.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I would have but they were way out of my price range.

[@Joe-vm4vn]

one question?does anyone's explorer have like kicks when it shifts or when on reverse it takes a few seconds to kick in??

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Short answer, your transmission is on the way out. The trans they use in these is know to go bad, a lot. The fact that it is hesitating or shifting hard is the first signs of that happening. There are small fixes you can do but by the time you invest the time and money, if its a vehicle you are planning on keeping, save the money and get a new one installed, with a warranty. Mine kicks sometimes when going into reverse which is caused by a dirty/bad valve body, you can run some SeaFoam trans cleaner through it and that may help. Im actually going to replace mine, because I already have some new parts in my trans and its not that bad. The kicking is the really crappy part, that is the major sign that its going bad. Its caused by the actual transmission case wearing out around the servo bores, there are some "ban-aid" fixes that can be done some people have had some really good success with them. Im actually going to so the O-ring servo fix on mine as more of a preventative maintenance. These transmissions go bad so often theres tons of info on here and seriousexplorations.com. I hope that helped, even though it was a long answer it was still a very brief explanation.

[@Joe-vm4vn]

Damn that sucks since i just bought it but oh well I'll look into it Thank you so much i appreciate it this sure did help me out.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

No prob. If the rest of it is in good working order Id add some seafoam and see if that helps with the reverse, and add so Lucas trans additive, that may help the hard shifts. Also, when shifting to reverse, if you shift to drive and then into reverse its wont kick and its easier on the transmission. For whatever reason, thats just the way the trans is designed. Ive made that a habit.

[@Joe-vm4vn]

Hawkeye Skunk Works alrighty ill go ahead and try that out, thanks again hopefully it gives it a bit more life to at least get by for the meantime.

[@RANDOMHOBO01]

Your tranny may never blow up, my last truck was an 02 explorer XLT and it had that delay and shuttered into overdrive when I bought it. Kept it for a little under two years and it never changed, just got rid of it for something a little newer after a few issues with windows and misc. stuff.

[@jacoblascheck6155]

GMC and chevy are the same thing the both made by General Motors Corpration

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Haha yes I know. I really didn’t think so many people wouldn’t get the sarcasm.

[@robsylvia6546]

Thanks, I've been looking at S10 Blazer zr2's, 4Runners (3rd Gen, my preference), Jeep Cherokees, and even Ford Escapes for Colorado winters and light 4wd duties. Then a few Explorers showed up. Now I'm looking to see if a Ford SUV is a good choice. Great video.

[@willieguisado9155]

What lift are you doing to it?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I have 2.5" suspension lift and 1.5" body lift. Make sure to check out my other videos too, I go over all of it in depth! Thanks!

[@thomaswfleenerjr9957]

Have a 2005 AWD, where do ya find a lift kit???

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

ebay or Amazon

[@MrPami9899]

I wish I had a v8, just because of the timing chain ,I have a 02 ford explorer v6 190k, run ave drive good beside timing chain rattle at cold start

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

The 4.6 still can have timing chain issues. Are you sure its not just a noisy lifter? The timing chain noise shouldnt really go away after the engine warms up. Mine has a noisy lifter at cold start.

[@MrPami9899]

I can hear on.both bank,almost 200l.,I.never service them,but the 4.6 l ,you dont have to remove the engine to do timing chain ad head gasket

[@Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

While the 4.0l v6 is a pretty decent engine, I am thinking about doing a coyote 5.0 swap out of a wrecked f150. It would be a way better v8 than the one that was actually offered with the explorer.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

4.0 and 4.6 are both good. Would take a whole heck of a lot of work to put and 5.0 in there and make it all work properly.

[@Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks it should be easier than trying to squeeze it into a Miata! LOL.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@Eastsidegeorgiaboy well thats not really saying much haha

[@Eastsidegeorgiaboy]

@@HawkeyeSkunkWorks I was just giving everyone some hope!

[@emeraldstevens8922]

Nice lil rig

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Thanks!

[@zacharycote675]

in a couple months ill be getting a 2004 ford explorer and i can honestly saw leather looks 10x better for interior

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yeah, my parents have a cloth one, without the adjustable front headrests and I hate it. I actually just finished swapping in front leather seats from a gen 3 2-door sport because they are much more comfortable and have better bolstering. FYI, not a direct bolt in.

[@archietv4639]

What lift did you use!?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Check out the rest of the Explorer videos, it explains everything.

[@sambarton202]

Will leaf stack from 4 Dr fit sport 96?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yep, thats what I did.

[@sambarton202]

Thank u

[@Sm4wsom3]

Yo Bro , what size are those tires?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

265/75-16

[@realeyesrealizereallies7134]

I think that gen. is the best looking. Hows the acceleration on that?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Acceleration is pretty darn good in my opinion even on the new bigger tires. Better than the '96 Sport 4.0 with 3.73 on 31's and my old '97 F150 5.4 with 3.73 on 31's that I use to have, and my currrent '00 WJ 4.0 with 3.55 on 30's.

[@realeyesrealizereallies7134]

It's a tossup along with g Cherokee and extera

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Those didnt fit my criteria at the time for 3rd row seats and no V8 with the Xtera. May have considered some import options looking back at things now.

[@realeyesrealizereallies7134]

Ya I'm thinking for mild off roading here and there. I've always liked jeeps though.

[@lucifermpw6560]

Can I get 8 12inch subs in the back I need 62 inches

[@westhavenor9513]

Looking at a 2002 4L with 95k miles tomorrow for an extra car/home depot hauler. We'll see. Folks really hate on these things, that's for sure.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

just assume the trans is going to fail at some point, unfortunately its just going to happen

[@thepalmerfamily512]

Hey if your still looking for a land Rover my buddy has one he is selling really cheap very low miles no rust 4.0 engine I believe it's a 99 or a 02 model

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I might be interested. Is it listed online anywhere that I could check out?

[@Adeline9418]

Still have it??

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

no

[@kennyphan7267]

I have a 2003 ford explorer xlt v8

[@AlwaysBeSmart674]

Pretty sure these are notorious for the trans slipping & the back plastic molding under rear window cracking.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

well, duh.

[@MADEMAN-hv9zs]

HEY GUYS DEE HERE (PRIOR MILITARY - D.O.D) JUST BOUGHT A 2004 EXPLORER XLT AWD V8, CAME WITH 20 INCH RIMS- ON DECENT TIRES AS WELL, NOT LOW PROS BUT NOT QUITE MEATBALLS EITHER... AND IT DRIVES LIKE A DREAM SMOOTH, RESPONSIVE& YOU DONT FEEL A BUMB IN THE ROAD AND THIS IS MY THIRD ONE! AT 19YRS OLD I HAD A '94 EXPO XLT, THEN AT 26 GRABBED A '98 EXPO SPORT 2 DOOR LOOKED LIKE A SUMMER BEACH BUGGY... NOW I STUMBLED UPON ONE AGAIN! I NEVER INTENTIONAL BUT THIS LAST ONE BLOWS MY LAST SUV OUTTA THE WATER (08 CADILLAC SRX AWD V6).. SCREW ALL THE USLESS EXTRA BUTTON& TACKED ON COST OF "SO CALLED LUXURY VEHICLES ANDS CROSSOVERS"... I'M RIDING IN LEATHER STILL, WITH MORE POWER PLUS FOLD DOWN DVD UNIT.. LONG STORY SHORT, THESE ARE SOME AMAZING SUV AND EVEN THO THE SOUTH HAS BEEN KNOWN TO FLOOD, YOU STILL HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF MAKING IT THRU! THANKS GUYS FOR READING (I TYPE IN CAPS BEING I SUFFER FROM EYE STRAIN MY MILITARY SERVICE) COMMENT & LET ME KNOW OF ANY FEATURES OR ADD ON SOME OF YALL HAVE DONE, I'D LIKE TO HEAR 💪👏👍✌

[@kemppaul999]

Its not true about the limited slip with the v8 explorer, my 04 limited v8 with the max towing package has 373 open/ advancetrac

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yeah the advancetrac ones kind of play by their won rules. Ive only ever seen maybe a handful of them where I live. At least with the open diff you can throw a Spartan locker in!

[@kemppaul999]

Hawkeye Skunk Works True that must be why, I am really surprised at the off idle torque this 4.6 has, I just put a brand new transmission in mine. I'm not far from you, Iowa City- , I lived in Eldridge for four years nice vids man

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

@@kemppaul999 Cool. Yeah the 4.6 does have some pretty good low end torque

[@ESPPsycho]

You don't need anywhere near a v8 to tow a 19 foot ski boat.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Youre not wrong, but it sure makes life easier.

[@bonifatsiy81]

how about Dodge Durango II 5.7?! imho It's same price\condition as fe3 but much better awd system, realy big 3d row and more hp with same mpg, and yes - It's hemi.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

I looked at Durangos, but I really dont like how they look. Plus, they are all competed rotted away where I live.

[@bonifatsiy81]

Well i really dont like how they hydrolocking after any rain happend. Mercury Mountaineer (same as fe3) 4.6AWD this is my choise, and im happy with that car. It's very rare here in Russia. I don't need 2wd\low\4wd coz not going to any MT so far away.

[@hedrick5286]

Alexandr Kruchinin durangos are massive piles of shit.

[@bonifatsiy81]

well im planing to buy Durango here in Russia but taxes for hp over 250 are very expensive here. So i buy now 2002 mercury mountaineer 4.6, anb im not mess with my choise. Mercury like mine wery rare here in Russisn look's like we only 50 ppl here who have it =)

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

That sucks about the taxes!

[@japetro3]

Had one engine blew. Honda Pilot great car high maintenance but nice

[@PureCountryof91]

The v6 ones were a joke

[@johnlistle2599]

That a XLT, Limited, or Eddie Bauar?

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

It was badged XLT when I bought it, hard to say what had been modified or added. I did think some of the options were odd though, leather, sunroof, 17' wheels, third row seats, rear air, V8, painted body trim fog lights, tow package, block heater and RV tow behind wiring. Plus it had really plain door panels and the all black stereo surround.

[@johnlistle2599]

i really like Explorers, and im considering on getting another one

[@Jmarxz]

Just purchased a awd 4.6 fully loaded white and tan Eddie Bauer editing with 130k for 5k and excited to put money in it

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Awesome have fun!

[@heismanhighlights5123]

Lol I also went from a bronco 2 to a explorer

[@heismanhighlights5123]

Loved that bronco 2 I regret selling it

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Been there, done that too

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

No regrets but I do miss it sometimes.

[@Aman-rp7yj]

I just blew out a harmonic balancer on my v6. Never even heard of it. Was $300 + to fix

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

VLOG MUSIC the cost for repair sounds about right I suppose, but I have never actually heard of one going bad.

[@japetro3]

VLOG MUSIC yeah right harmonic balancer I was like yeah and the flux capacitor will blow next

[@bewarethebeast4976]

Sign on hwy. says "SPEED LIMIT 65" (fords just do the best you can)

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Haha everyone's a critic! So what Chevy are you driving??

[@Immapsycho677]

bet this kiddo hasn't even driven a ford.

[@Adeline9418]

I hope that if you kill an animal that you make use of it; as in for food.

[@jamesgand828]

This model year of Ford Explorer has the most complaints out of all the Explorer years. If you are convincing yourself why you bought a piece of trash then enjoy it.

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Yep 3rd gen explorers had their issues, but they had a lot of great qualities too. A lot of people still love them and this one served my family and I very well. Not convincing my self of anything.

[@wardor9214]

I have a 06 Explorer Limited and it has been my favorite SUV I have ever drove in my life. I have owned a 07 Saturn Vue it was fun to drive but it had major issues. I have drove a 2012 Dodge Journey, a 2013 Chevy Equinox and a 2006 Trailblazer imo the Explorer rides the best and is the most comfortabe. I like the newer setup with the Equinox that my brother has and the journey that is my grandpa's. But the Explorer drives alot like how my 06 F150 did. I would still have it if it didn't get totalled in a wreck. I was very careful and cautious when I bought the Explorer for the reasons everyone knows about but it didn't have them. I got mine from Dan Deery in Waterloo IA.

[@jacobwildschuetz8663]

bruh gmc and chevy are the same thing

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

LOL yes Im well aware. Apparently my sarcastic tone was too subtle. It was a joke.

[@masonhughes5404]

General Motors makes Chevy son

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

Dude, it’s called sarcasm 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@sim7409]

ours is pure shite...nuthin but money pit

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

thats unfortunate

[@jizzyjake6783]

I had an 04 it was the worst vehicle I ever owned

[@HawkeyeSkunkWorks]

ah man thats too bad

[@ohno6.0]

That's a 2nd gen expedition

[@fsb_-bf3th]

ohno6.0 no it’s not actually