One problem related to steering gear box sector shaft has been reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Lower steering shaft had to be changed in my 1996 Ford Explorer in Aug. 2000 (68250 miles) and October 2003 (120000+ miles). First time it occurred, I had almost no steering. The rubber boot keeps tearing and ripping. I bought car new in October 1995.