Ok let's get straight to the subject. I own my 2005 Ranger XLT mini truck that is for lack of better words "transitioning to into a track/show truck" I want a daily driver Explorer to drive while I finish this truck and make it pretty much unlivable to drive daily, but a show stopping beast on the race track. I'm having trouble not buying a newer bodystyle expo rather than my original plan of getting a 98-01 5.0 AWD explorer. Wanted y'all's opinion. The DD Explorer will be lifted, modded as well.

Here are current options:
(All have less than 150k miles)

1. 2001 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0 AWD $3600
2. 2000 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0 4x4 $2900
3. 2006 Explorer Limited 4.6 3v 4x4 $5500
4. 2004 Explorer XLT 4.6 2v 4x4 $3500
5. 2007 Mercury Mountaineer Prem 4.6 3v $5500

Examples of what I'm looking for in overall lifted look (height wise)

Give me your thoughts.

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2005 Ranger 2.3 XLT Reg cab steppy: DJM 4/5, Expo 8.8 w/3.73LS axle swap. Hurst Shifter, flowmaster 40 series, edge front bumper, 18x9, 18x10 cobra wheels

2 imo, #1 has different tires it looks like, which may indicate a possible accident/ abuse, or may simply have been a flat tire, either way, 2 is A nice option.

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2001 f250 7.3 zf-6
1979 f150 400/c6
Ranger free since December 2015
quote of the day:
The round flowing fenders of this vehicle have been lovingly reconstructed by a Dutch craftsman out of, what could be considered the most precious material on earth, bondo

I have an 2003 with the 4.6 and it ha been a great rig. We bought it with 60k and are now at 135k with just basic maintenance ( and mods )

Nice to seat 7 when needed and the turning radius is fantastic.

It's comfortable and fun to drive for a family SUV

Don't think you can really go wrong they will al work just depends on what you want to do. The older gens are easier to lift but the newer ones are doable.

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Supercharged and DBR long travel 2003 FX4 on 305/70R16 MTRs, Torsen LS FR ECTED RR 4.56 Yukons with cobra brakes, lots of expo parts and other mods

Build thread http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...cue-truck.html

Support Search and Rescue ... GET LOST!

Adrenaline.

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Lifted and junk

Double Lifted Rangers

yea leaning way

I really like the 4.6 3v engine, and the look of the 98-01

nah fam. I want a 4wd lifted look. Plus adrenalin's are wayyyyyy outta my budget.

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2005 Ranger 2.3 XLT Reg cab steppy: DJM 4/5, Expo 8.8 w/3.73LS axle swap. Hurst Shifter, flowmaster 40 series, edge front bumper, 18x9, 18x10 cobra wheels

The 4.6 3v engines have the notorious cam phasers issue. I'd stay away from the 3v.

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93 Ranger XL 3.0 V6
-Tint, wheels, K&N filter, Flowmaster super 44.
04 Mustang GT Vert.
-Tons of mods, supercharged 392/393

I own a 2003 Explorer. 4x4 108xxx miles 4.0. Supposedly they have tranny problems, but mine works good. Now i really like mine. I actually like the fully in dependent suspension in the rear. I would go with the 2004, but be careful of a possible tranny failure. Plus 3rd gen explorers are bigger and safer. Mines my baby

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1995 f-150 4x4 4.9 inline 6 5-speed
1996 Ranger 3.0 2wd Auto 4r44
2008 Ranger 4.0 4x4 Auto 5r55 extended cab

Got it! 2000 DWB 5.0 AWD explorer!

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2005 Ranger 2.3 XLT Reg cab steppy: DJM 4/5, Expo 8.8 w/3.73LS axle swap. Hurst Shifter, flowmaster 40 series, edge front bumper, 18x9, 18x10 cobra wheels

nice! Great choice

__________________
2001 f250 7.3 zf-6
1979 f150 400/c6
Ranger free since December 2015
quote of the day:
The round flowing fenders of this vehicle have been lovingly reconstructed by a Dutch craftsman out of, what could be considered the most precious material on earth, bondo

thanks love it.

__________________
2005 Ranger 2.3 XLT Reg cab steppy: DJM 4/5, Expo 8.8 w/3.73LS axle swap. Hurst Shifter, flowmaster 40 series, edge front bumper, 18x9, 18x10 cobra wheels