Engine

• 1998 Explorers with all-wheel drive came standard with a 4.9-liter V8 that produced 215 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque, with a bore-stroke ratio of 4:3 and a compression ratio of 9:1.
  
  Rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive Explorers came standard with a 4.0-liter V6 that produced 160 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, with a bore-stroke ratio of 3.95:3.32 and a compression ratio of 9:1.
  
  

Brakes and Suspension

• All Explorer variations came standard with four disc brakes, including two ventilated disc brakes. The 1998 Explorers had a wishbone front suspension with an independent stabilizer bar and torsion springs. They had a beam rear suspension with a rigid stabilizer bar and leaf springs.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• Two-door Explorers came standard with a 17.3-gallon fuel tank, while 4-door versions came standard with 20.8-gallon tanks. They all have an EPA estimated fuel economy of 15-17 mpg in the city and 20-21 on the highway.