4.0 Explorer '95 - '97 same engine?

[TheHandyman]

I need a replacement engine for my '97 Aerostar. According to this Rebuilding The Ford 4.0L Pushrod V6, Doug Anderson, Automotive Rebuilder, April 2001 The '95 - '97 Ranger & Explorers all had the new 'fast burn' heads.

Any insight or info from you mechanics out there? I tend to want to just stick with 1997 engines as I thought they were individual & different than others.

Did all '95 - '97 4.0 Ranger / Explorers have OBDII as 96 & '97 Aerostars did?'

Only reason I'm asking is that I've found a nice 1996 4.0 Explorer engine but my Aero is a 1997.

[TheHandyman]

Put it another way, does anyone know if the 4.0 was changed much from 1996 to 1997?

I just wish I had a good place to work on mine, it wouldn't be a bad job. The 4.0 AWD Aero is a great, powerful van! Sucks a little gas, but drives so nice with barely 100,000 miles.

[TheHandyman]

I've learned the '97 was individual with more changes in '98 when they stayed about the same thru end of production in 2000. The engines are plentiful and cheap, so i'll build a used one and stick it in the van.

Those buggers are hard to work on, and I think the cramped engine bay is partly why they have cooling system related issues more in the vans. I've not heard of Rangers or Explorers blowing head gaskets or cracking heads regularly. This van was babied yet it was bad before 100,000 miles! engine still clean, dry and gray under there. But oil in coolant and seepage from passenger side head (plus ticking valve noise).