Maximum tongue load is 650 to 975 pounds. The front suspension is firm and solid with little roll or lean in corners at speed. Tracking seems much improved with the 35 percent of power to the front wheels to add traction. You can almost feel the power distribution to the front and back wheels on the pavement with the all-wheel drive. Even with the heavier V-8, weight distribution is excellent.
Disc brakes at all four corners are standard.
Off-road, the differential's 6.7 inches of ground clearance plenty, although we did scrape the skidplates numerous times through deep sand and loose, rocky soil. We could feel the wheels getting power applied back and forth. It isn't enough to cause a loss of control, but is noticeable. After a day of bouncing, crunching, and flogging over washboard ruts at 40 mph to stay on top, the Explorer sustained no chassis or body squeaks. The 5.0L engines are produced at Ford's Cleveland Engine Plant 1 in Brook Park, Ohio, which provides a clue to its heritage.