1998 Ford Explorer Ford Explorer sport 4X4

NICKLEBBAD

MEMBER
1998 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
146,000 MILES

Hey, I have recently taken this vehicle out on a test drive as I want to buy it. It does have a few problems the owner didn't mention so I think I may be able to get his price down but I don't know anything about 4x4's. The first problem is when I was driving it whenever it came to a stop you really felt the stop. It wasn't my driving it was after I was stopped you would hear maybe the tranny downshifting, I was wondering if that can be corrected by a simple flush. Also the second question is the lower ball joints boots are cracked off I was wondering if its even worth my time. He wants $1650 for it I figured I could get him down to about $1400

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

The stopping issue is hard for me to identify without being there. It could be something as simple as a broken motor mount or trans mount, or a brake could be sticking on the rear due to a broken spring. Did the transmission seem to shift good?

As far as the ball joints, they are not that expensive. If they are truly cracked, I wouldn't recommend driving it until they are replaced.

Tell him you have concerns about the transmission and you know the ball joints need replaced so offer him 1300.00 for it. Explaine it may need major repairs and you are sure it will need at least 400 to fix the present problems.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 12:50 AM

NICKLEBBAD

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It is not a motor mount I know that for sure, the transmission shifts fine no noises when going thru gears, I can't beleive I forgot to check if it was a mount. I completely skipped that. The boots are cracked off the ball joints so they are showing (lower ball joints) and will need to be replaced and 4x4 lo doesn't kick in (i hate push button)

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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 10:00 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Check the mounts. Also, if you hear any clunking when starting or stoping, check the tracking arm bushings. They are a common problem. As far as the ball joints, that isn't that big of a deal. Make sure the trans fluid is clean and full too.

Low ball him on the price. Remember, you can't go back down in price but you can slowly work up.

Let me know how it goes for you.

Joe

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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 9:31 PM