One problem related to axle shaft has been reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Beerings were shot, truck was not used off road at all, feel that it is a manufacturers defect. The part alone was $ 285. 00 . I am aware that I am reporting thisvery late, but the real reason is that I am upset that the gear shift indicator is not working I. E. The little arrow in the dashboard that tells you what gear you are in. They want $ 150. 00 to replace that piece. I feel that the indicator should last the life of the vehicle. I plan on writing Ford about both of these problems and hope to have them pay for the gear shift indicator repair. Thank you.