1997 Ford Explorer

SUV

5.0L 302Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated

Automatic

1FMDU35P9VUC32797

Clear

Gasoline

1997 Ford Explorer XLT, 5.0 V8 All Wheel Drive. This is the first year to have the GT40 heads on the 5.0, really makes it run well and gets good fuel economy - I've seen around 20mpg at times, my normal highway driving gets 17-ish which is on the high end for AWD SUVs that have any kind of horsepower. This X is loaded and EVERYTHING WORKS just like it should. I fix all the little annoying things on my vehicles and this one is perfect in that regard. A/C super cold, heat is great, PS, PW, PDL, Cruise, Tilt, Auto-Headlights with Adjustable Delay, Power Sunroof, Rear Seat Heat/Cool and Radio Controls, Power Leather Seats, Radio with in-dash CD player and multi-disc CD changer in console (I've never had the cassette to load CDs but they're on eBay all the time), Two remotes and four keys plus the door code to get in without a key (you will LOVE this if you do anything outside, just lock all your stuff in the truck and the 'key' to get in is in your head - works perfectly and is a really nice feature).Things I've repaired over the years:Rusted rear spring shackles replaced - this is a bear of a job and all Explorer rear spring shackles rust out, it's a tough job and it's done. That's why you see them sitting low in the rear.Replaced broken cruise switches - a lot of Explorers seem to suffer from the ON button being damaged.Reupholstered console cover - a lot of X's of this era have torn up console lids, this one is new and nice.Replaced factory wheels and worn out tires with bead-lock look wheels and THE BEST SNOW TIRES EVER!! Lots of tread left, these BF Goodrich KO2 tires just claw through snow. I've also had this truck on one trail ride and it really hooks up well in mud and on loose terrain. Plus they look great, very aggressive. A fifth matching wheel and tire come with the truck as the spare.New Oxygen Sensor just done by professional shop - I noticed a drop in fuel economy, they found and changed the sensor, and all is right again.Added driving lights to help with winter driving.All fluids regularly maintained.This is my go-to snow machine, and I am so, so sad to see her go, but family situation forces sale. We both know the snow is coming and this SUV is ready right now. These trucks are super reliable and they just don't do anything stupid.