ford explorer front diff

[damon]

hey guys not your typicall 4wd, but went and looked at a 97 explorer today for a tow vehicle for the wifes horse float. front diff is pooed in it. tidy wagon it was a trade in at a car yard so he not sure weather they'll fix it or not so anyone got an idea of ease of parts for these or rough cost of a front diff cheers Damon

[zukmeista]

Don't buy one unless you A: Hate yourself or B: Have way too much money and want to spend it all on fixing an unreliable POS. 80 Series Landcruiser or GQ/GU Patrol Would be a much better choice.

[johnny262]

Finding a diff would be easy though... theres loads of Explorers at the wreckers, for a very good reason

[mudsurfv6]

nick named the 'ford exploder', can't figure out why!

[coxsy]

the car painter next door had one black with paint and thinners samples in it on a hot day hit the remote boom toast

[damon]

ok so there cheap for a reason riteo she will just have to stick to the falcon wagon I bought her 6mths ago

[Mudde1]

I have a V6 Escape that I use for towing my Jet ski and Zuk on a trailer. Previously had a 80 series LC. When I did the change The escape had 150,000 km less on the clock and was is 10 years newer. It cost $10,000 less that I got for the 80. The Escape is cheaper to run than the 80, when taking into consideration servicing costs. The escape will tow the Zuk over the Bombays faster than the speed limint with out a problem, the 80 struggled to do that. On a steep winding road the 80 is a far better tow vehicle and will stop a larger unbreaked trailer.With a breaked trailer there is no difference in stopping distence. The Escape has no problems towing the jet ski up a steep sand ramp, but I would prefer an 80 for a larger boat. The max trailing weight on the 80 is 1000Kg higher than the Escape. The escape is easier to drive in the city. I have had no problems with the Escape. I am happy with the Escape and would happily tow a single horse float with it. A double horse float (2500KG???) would be getting close to its limit.

[Big]

I wonder how the escape would handle 3t tow..

[coxsy]

same engine and trans a Mondao , let your imagination run

[Mehrts]

He asked about an Explorer, you are now talking about Escapes. Two completely different vehicles people!

[lax2wlg]

They're really not that bad. The first gen had twin traction beam front end and is one of the biggest selling SUVs of all time.

HP Dana 35 front diff is the replacement you'd need for the 2nd gen.

Full frame, Potent engine options (5 Litre V8), Borg Warner transfer case, disc braked 31 spline 8.8 rear end, good dimensions. Alls you need is a shackle lift to fit 31s on them.

Crap and pinion steering though. Automatic transmissions give problems (overheating).

Potentially a cool SAS platform.

[zukmeista]

^^ Still though if you had to buy something from the USA an XJ cherokee or grand cherokee would be better than an exploder.

[Crash bandicoot]

I have a V6 Escape that I use for towing my Jet ski and Zuk on a trailer. Previously had a 80 series LC. When I did the change The escape had 150,000 km less on the clock and was is 10 years newer. It cost $10,000 less that I got for the 80. The Escape is cheaper to run than the 80, when taking into consideration servicing costs. The escape will tow the Zuk over the Bombays faster than the speed limint with out a problem, the 80 struggled to do that. On a steep winding road the 80 is a far better tow vehicle and will stop a larger unbreaked trailer.With a breaked trailer there is no difference in stopping distence. The Escape has no problems towing the jet ski up a steep sand ramp, but I would prefer an 80 for a larger boat. The max trailing weight on the 80 is 1000Kg higher than the Escape. The escape is easier to drive in the city. I have had no problems with the Escape. I am happy with the Escape and would happily tow a single horse float with it. A double horse float (2500KG???) would be getting close to its limit.

Bet you the escape cant go where an 80 could though

[Mudde1]

Bet you the escape cant go where an 80 could though

True, but the Zuk that's on the trailer behind the Escape will go more places than the 80. so I am still better off.

[Mudde1]

I wonder how the escape would handle 3t tow..

No.

[Mudde1]

He asked about an Explorer, you are now talking about Escapes. Two completely different vehicles people!

that will teach me not to read the post carefully.

[Crash bandicoot]

He asked about an Explorer, you are now talking about Escapes. Two completely different vehicles people!

that will teach me not to read the post carefully.

does it matter? there both equally how do i put this....."fords" or is the escape really a mazda in disguise