What kind of oil for a 1996 ford explorer?

The recommended oil for a 1996 Ford Explorer depends on the engine it has. There were several engine options available that year. To be certain, check your owner's manual. It will specify the correct oil type (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) and the API certification (e.g., SF, SG, SH, SJ, etc.). Older certifications are generally fine, but you should not use a newer specification than recommended.

However, if you don't have the owner's manual, a common recommendation for many 1996 Ford Explorer engines is 5W-30 conventional or synthetic oil. But again, this is not a guarantee and should be confirmed by checking your owner's manual or a reliable online resource that specifies the engine.

When you look up information online, be sure to specify the engine size (e.g., 4.0L V6, 4.0L SOHC V6) to get the most accurate information.