i want to say the exploders were OHV no OHC in those years, or 02 could of been the year they changed, just M90 it

 

Don't have the money for an M90, just a little more pep from christmas money. I'm going to drive one this week and see how I like it.

 

They started offering the SOHC 4.0L late 90s... but it was the upgraded package from the OVH 4.0L in the Sport. The 01+ only had the newer SOHC 4.0L in the V6 size. Same motor, main difference is the intake tube runs to the opposite side. The difference is a nice one. The Sports are pretty peppy little SUVs to have. 205 (some say 210) hp and 240 tq. They had various gears depending on the package. Stock was 3.73, but 4.10s were an option.

There are CAI intakes around for them, and several other easy weekend type performance mods as well.

 

I'll be looking at like an 03-04 xlt not sport because it's more of something to haul stuff in. Looking at an 03 Eddie Bauer edition with 65k miles. How about a handheld like a sf3 matt? Just maybe a canned tune and cai for a bump in hp or not worth it?

 

shaun, a tuner like you suggested could be a good idea. i know you can get a towing tune for trucks from VMP. might be something you are looking for. all this talk about SUVs..... think im gonna go look up some sport trac's lol

 

I love having an Ex Sport to drive around. Cheap and fun.

Shaun - A CAI and a tune would be a good start. I'd step up the wheel / tire package as well. At least up to 31". You can go 32" without needing to lift, but (depending on the brand) you might rub a bit at full turn.

 

what kind of gas mileage do you get in yours? thats my main concern about getting an SUV/small truck. if i can get like 25mpg 50/50 city/highway, i dont think i would mind getting one. is yours a 5speed manual?

 

Mine have both been autos. Milage isn't too bad on the highway, mid 20s or so.

 

ive been pretty hooked on a manual trans for winter vehicles. i like the control over an auto. it would probably just result in better mpg for a manual. probably wont be for a while that i buy one or something like one, ive just been wanting something that i can take off road if i need to. my neon just rolled over 105k so it will probably be a while til it blows up lol. so im stuck with it til then. as long as it lasts me for atleast 2 more years so i can get the stang all beefed up then ill be happy

 

Don't need a towing tune, I doubt I'll be towing much of anything besides my grandparents boat twice a year. Just something for some more power from a big suv, I've always driven smaller cars. I think SCT claimed 11hp gain at the wheels for the 4.0. I think the cai or maybe just tuner with a k&n dropin will be a nice bump in power for a dd. Matt what size tires would I be looking for to get some bigger tires on stock rims? Original size is 245-65-17 if I am correct.