Ford Explorer V8 off-road - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

chevypower · 10-22-2003, 19:02

Does anybody here own a new Explorer? I am wondering if they are not talked about going off-road because they are hopeless off-road, or are they the best kept secret? They look like a really nice car

laminge · 10-22-2003, 19:27

Yes

I own one, and read several 4wd magazine reviews

I dont understand the off road issue you raise?

XR8 Lamah · 10-22-2003, 19:38

methinks he is saying he hasn't / can't find info on the off-road ability of the explorer..
So laminge, how does she go ? :)

laminge · 10-22-2003, 19:46

Damm Nice on Road truck/car/cruizer!

I am really enjoying it, just some minor exhaust mods planned and I will be happy, I have a link to pics in the explorer forums.

All articles I have read rekon that with the mods that the 2003 model have undertaken have made it a viable 4wd vehicle.

Only gripe was the stupid mud flaps and less than adequate internal storage, the write ups where very impressed with the 4.6 v8, (178kws and 385nm) I can see that increasing to around 200kws and 420nm with some planned minor mods

cheers

Mr Sparkle · 10-22-2003, 19:49

Pretty sure they have a long-term test writeup of one on carpoint.ninemsn.com.au with quite a bit of off-road use.... check it out!!

XRated · 10-22-2003, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by laminge

Damm Nice on Road truck/car/cruizer!

I am really enjoying it, just some minor exhaust mods planned and I will be happy, I have a link to pics in the explorer forums.

All articles I have read rekon that with the mods that the 2003 model have undertaken have made it a viable 4wd vehicle.

Only gripe was the stupid mud flaps and less than adequate internal storage, they write ups where very impressed with the 4.6 v8, (178kws and 385nm) I can see that increasing to around 200kws and 420nm with some planned minor mods

cheers

LOL! Is there one car you can't leave alone?! Can't wait to see the results anyhow.

The older Explorers suffered a bad rap from what I recall.

Mr Sparkle · 10-22-2003, 19:52

Ok I'm a good bloke, so here's a link for y'all.... yeeeehaw!!

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/revie...ry.asp?ID=3852

chevypower · 10-22-2003, 20:24

Thanks guys, just never heard of how well it went off-road compared to a Grand Cherokee, Cruiser, Patrol etc....
I have only driven one on road, and was impressed.

outback_ute · 10-23-2003, 00:33

The three 4wd�s you have mentioned are all easily better off-road than the Explorer, as are the Prado and also Pajero I understand (better suspension articulation & clearance).

Summary � if you want to do _serious_ rock hopping or long distance outback touring get a Patrol, otherwise the Explorer should do all you want. Increase the ground clearance with a suspension kit, fit slightly taller tyres & fit a long-range fuel tank to address the major weaknesses off road.

Mr Jucy · 10-23-2003, 04:34

I've read the previous Explorer was pretty hopeless offroad but the new one is supposed to be pretty good.