One problem related to brake drum shoes/linings has been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
3 of the 4 brake shoe linings came off of their metal supports when I had them inspected. I was told this was a common problem with the Explorers. The Ford garage said that my SUV was out of mfg warranty. They were not reponsible. There is no recall on this problem.