Found what seems to be decent deal for a 98 Classic, with a probable blown head gasket. $1300. I tried searching but couldn't find any good answers.

I know I should probably expect to replace the head as well since from what I've read it seems to follow the head gasket failure. Or have I been misinformed? Even if I have to replace the head, doesn't seem that bad even if i factor in the price.

I have time to work on the car. It would replace another vehicle that I'm currently using daily once I got it running.

Also, anything else I should check for considering the head gasket has blown out?

I've generally never tried to drive a car with a blown head gasket though. Would it be safe to drive it 20-30 miles...or would I be better off not risking more damage and borrowing my neighbor's truck and renting a car trailer to haul it to my house?

I have no troubles replacing a head gasket. Done it many times on inline engines (hate to do it on bent engines though) and I have a pretty well equipped garage (just need to convince the wife I need a lift and I'll be all set).

Thanks in advance.

Slade

 

The question to ask, why did it blow? Did it over heat? That would help you with determining any under lying issues.

Replacing it is not overly complicated. $1300 seems high for the work it needs. Whats the mileage on it?

 

113k. $1300 is the starting price...I'd like to get it to $1k if I can. Just seems like a decent deal since it has 90% of the options I want. Especially since I can and will do the work myself.

That is a good question I forgot to ask about.

edit:The guy didn't know if it lost water because he didn't pay attention or if the head cracked and then lost water and overheated. Chances are I'd need to plan for a new head.

I would have to give up on the selec-trac which is an option I would have liked to have but can live without. My current truck doesn't have an AWD function, and I don't really miss it.

I just figure if I can get a classic for $1k plus a weekend of work and $500 of parts, it's not a bad deal. New brakes, muffler, water pump, radiator hoses, no rust (key where I am).

Slade

 

I'm on the same page with rust.

And I agree if you have the time and ability to fix it, $1000 is a good deal. I would have the head checked before I just bought a new one. Maybe a good rebuild on it will suffice.

Why selec-trac? Is this a winter 4x4 or plan on any wheeling upgrades? If you can do a head gasket I'm sure you could swap the TC if you really wanted that option.

And tow it. Good luck!

 

For now, a winter 4x4. In a few years, some mild trial upgrades. I know the command trac is considered better for that.

I guess I didn't think it would be possible to swap to the selec trac, but I guess it wouldn't be too hard since it doesn't have anything to do with electronics or the ECU does it?

Thanks again.

 

Its not hard. No ECU control over the TC, they are not electronically controlled.

 

I think I may have found one more up my alley. It's a 97 bare bones sport for $1100. High mileage (well, low compared to the Exploder it'll replace w/ 322k miles), 5 speed, manual windows, manual seats...the works! Body is in good shape.

I had always told myself if I couldn't find a good deal for a Selec-trac, I would try to find a 5 speed instead.

 

Get some pictures! And good luck with the purchase. These things are a lot easier to work on then an Exploder.

 

Oh I know the joys of working on an explorer. I can't complain too much. My biggest problem these days is stuff just rotting out. Such as transmission coolant lines, fuel lines, brake lines, AC lines.

I hate the auto hubs with a passion. I have to replace them this weekend. Freaking ford's cheap mindedness designed hubs with a critical wear item made of plastic. To save $1.00 per car...they went with plastic instead of steel. And of course, you can't buy this one washer. So a few weekends ago when I pulled the hubs to clean them out before winter starts in earnest, one of the hub's innards just fell out when I removed the hub. Again, I guess I can't complain too much...322k miles...stuff is bound to break eventually.

I'm still trying to decide between the two or risk one more winter with the explorer. If I can get one of those jeeps down to $800...it may be time to retire the explorer finally. Had it since 1995...and I wasn't easy on it.

 

322k is great for an Explorer! I have always been a Ford guy but wanted something I could beat on and still drive home. The Cherokee fills that need for me.