Current owner is not too familiar with his '97 Explorer but said it has the smaller V6. Were there two options and did this make a difference in which auto trans it came with?

What other differences should I be on the look out for?

 

Both V6 engines should be the 4.0L, but one will be an OHV engine and the other a SOHC.

-Rod

 

If it's the SOHC, I'd pass. I think the OHV might be physically smaller on the top end, but displacement was the same.

The trans should be the same.