Editing Ford Explorer (section)

===Chassis===
The second-generation Ford Explorer is based upon the Ford U1 platform shared with its predecessor, adopting the UN105/UN150 model codes. Introducing key chassis upgrades that were also shared with the [[Ford Ranger (North America)#Third generation (1998–2012)|1998 Ford Ranger]], the long-running [[Swing axle#Twin I-Beam|Twin I-Beam]]/[[Twin Traction Beam]] front suspension was retired in favor of a [[Double wishbone suspension#Short long arms suspension|short/long-arm (SLA) wishbone]] front suspension configuration in order to accommodate larger engines. Along with more compact packaging of front suspension components (allowing for a lower hoodline), the design allowed for improved on-road handling/feel. In line with the Ranger and F-Series trucks, the rear suspension remained a leaf-sprung live rear axle.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-3">{{cite web|url= https://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/Ford/Explorer/Ford_US%20Explorer_1998.pdf |title=1998 Ford Explorer brochure |website=auto-brochures.com }}</ref>

The standard four-wheel ABS of the previous generation returned; the rear drum brakes were replaced by disc brakes.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-3" /> As with the first generation, rear-wheel drive remained standard with part-time four-wheel drive as an option; all-wheel drive became an option for the first time.

====Powertrain====
[[File:'95-'96 Ford Explorer V-8.JPG|left|thumb|1995–1997 Ford Explorer XLT V8]]
The second generation Explorer carried over its 160&nbsp;hp 4.0&nbsp;L V6 from the previous generation (shared with the Ranger and Aerostar). For 1996, largely to match the V8 engine offerings of the [[Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ)|Jeep Grand Cherokee]] and [[Land Rover Discovery#Discovery Series I (1989–1998)|Land Rover Discovery]], a {{cvt|210|hp|0}} {{cvt|302|cuin|L|1|order=flip}} V8 (marketed as 5.0&nbsp;L) was introduced as an option for rear-wheel drive XLT five-doors. By 1997, the V8 was offered with nearly all trims (except XL<ref name="auto-brochures.com-3" />) and was paired with all-wheel drive; output was increased to {{cvt|215|hp|0}} (from revised cylinder heads).

For 1997, a third engine was added to the model line, as Ford introduced an overhead-cam version of the 4.0&nbsp;L Cologne V6. Differing from its predecessor primarily by its single-overhead-cam drivetrain, the 210&nbsp;hp engine rivaled the V8 in output. Introduced as standard equipment for Eddie Bauer and Limited trims, by 1998, the engine became offered on all non-XL trims.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-3" /> For 2001, the overhead-valve version of the 4.0&nbsp;L V6 was discontinued, with the SOHC engine becoming standard (and the only engine of the Explorer Sport).

Following the introduction of the overhead-cam Triton-series V8s for the 1997 [[Ford F-Series (tenth generation)|Ford F-Series]] and [[Ford E-Series|E-Series]], the 2001 Explorer would be the final Ford Motor Company vehicle in North America sold with an overhead-valve gasoline-powered V8 engine for nearly two decades (until the 2020 introduction of the 7.3&nbsp;L [[Ford Godzilla engine|Godzilla]] V8 for Super Duty trucks).

For 2000, Ford added flex-fuel capability to the Explorer for the first time. The flex-fuel SOHC V6 and chassis were mated to an aluminum body built by [[Utilimaster]] in the [[Ford-Utilimaster FFV]], a delivery vehicle built for the [[United States Postal Service]] in 2000 and 2001.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/19990722/press027087.html |title=Ford Motor Company and Utilimaster Deliver For the United States Postal Service |date=July 23, 1999 |publisher=Ford Motor Company |access-date=February 6, 2023}}</ref>

A Mazda-produced 5-speed manual was standard with the 4.0&nbsp;L OHV V6 engine; the SOHC V6 was not offered with a manual transmission until 2000, receiving a heavier-duty version of the Mazda-sourced 5-speed. The V6 Explorers initially received a 4-speed automatic, shared with the Ranger and Aerostar, adopting a 5-speed automatic for 1997. The {{convert|302|cuin|L|1|order=flip}} V8 was paired only with a 4-speed heavy-duty automatic (shared with the F-150, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Mark VIII).

For the second-generation Explorer, the four-wheel drive system underwent a redesign. The previous Touch-Drive system (electrically operated) was retired and replaced by ControlTrac, an electronically controlled full-time four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case; in place of a center differential, software-controlled multi-disc clutch. Similar to the previous push-button Touch-Drive system, a rotary dash selector was used for driver input, selecting two-wheel drive (rear wheels), and four-wheel drive (high and low range). As an intermediate mode, "Auto" mode allowed software to control the torque sent to the front wheels; if the rear axle began to spin, torque was shifted from the rear wheels to the front wheels until traction is achieved. The manually operated hubs and manual transfer cases were discontinued.

Similar to the system used on the Aerostar van, the V8 Explorer used a full-time all-wheel drive system without separate high or low ranges. The all-wheel drive's torque distribution was via a viscous clutch with a 40/60 split.
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Engine
!Production
!Configuration
!Power
!Torque
!Transmission
!Transfer Case

|-
|Ford [[Ford Cologne V6 engine#4.0|''Cologne V6'']]
|1995–2000
|{{cvt|245|cuin|L|1}} OHV 12V V6
|{{cvt|160|hp|kW|0}}
|{{cvt|220|lbft|Nm|0}}
|5-speed manual (Mazda [[Mazda M5OD transmission|''M5OD-R1'']])
4-speed automatic (Ford [[Ford C3 transmission#4R44E and 4R55E|''4R55E'']]); 1995–1996

5-speed automatic (Ford [[Ford C3 transmission#5R44E/5R55E/N/S/W|''5R55E'']]); 1997–2000
|Borg Warner 44-05 Electric Shift ''Control Trac''

|-
|Ford ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine#SOHC|Cologne V6]]''
|1997–2003
|{{cvt|245|cuin|L|1}} SOHC 12V V6
|{{cvt|210|hp|kW|0}}
|{{cvt|254|lbft|Nm|0}}
|5-speed manual (Mazda ''M5OD-R1HD''); 2001–2003 Explorer Sport
5-speed automatic (Ford ''5R55E'') 
|Borg Warner 44-05 Electric Shift ''Control Trac''; 1997–2001
Borg Warner 13-54 Electric Shift; 2001–2003 Explorer Sport

|-
|Ford ''[[Ford 302 engine|small block 5.0 L V8]]'' 
|1996–2001
|{{cvt|302|cuin|L|1}} OHV 16V V8
|{{cvt|210|hp|kW|0}}
|{{cvt|280|lbft|Nm|0}}
|4-speed automatic (Ford [[Ford AOD transmission#4R70W|4R70W]])
|Borg Warner 44-04 Full-Time AWD
|}