2004 exploder
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
2004 exploder
ok, I usually hang around in the older classic portions. but I'm currently working on a swap with a 2004 explorer 4.6 v8 eddie bauer. my pops and brother spun the center main bearing on the aluminium 4.6 that was original. the replacement they got, on my recommendation, was a 5.4, out of a 99 expedition. Ive seen and read many times that this is a bolt in swap. so far we find that the starter don't fit, and the depth of the flex plate is different. we have adapters to fit the stock 4.6 intake to the 5.4 so we can use the electronic throttle from the OE. wheat further advise is there to make this swap work? the OE 4.6 seems to be a romeo engine, and the 5.4 seems to be a Windsor....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,819
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
I've never heard of anyone swapping a 5.4L in for the 4.6L in an Explorer. What model have you seen and read about this being done many times?
If you continue to tackle this project, make sure you change out those spark plugs in the 5.4L before installing it in the Explorer.
-Rod
If you continue to tackle this project, make sure you change out those spark plugs in the 5.4L before installing it in the Explorer.
-Rod
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
ive seen the 4.6 to 5.4 swap done on f-150 and on the mustangs quite a bit. when the 4.6 went **** up in the exploder, the 5.4 was the best deal on a replacement motor... free99.... and the plugs are swapped, also installed a new oil pump, and a windage tray in the oil pan to help control oil flow. rather than throw the whole bit away, it seems to be coming together nicely though. Good to know I'm in uncharted waters these days. When we get it all done up, ill make sure and do up a build thread. document it as the first one to do so...........
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,819
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Since the 5.4L was an option in the F-150 and, if I'm not mistaken, in the Mustang as well for the Cobra or Cobra R or something, I guess I'm not surprised it fit in those. But I do think you would be able to take credit as the first one to pull it off in the Explorer. A build thread would be great.
-Rod
-Rod
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
it is duly noted that I will be the first to document the 5.4 explorer!!!!!!! just kind of what I had figured on that, after the deer in the headlights look from everyone else. we don't really expect to see horsepower improvements, but the greater displacement should see more torque, and since its all mass airflow, should be able to reuse the stock tune on the computer.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
So, just an update on this, it took us longer than we planned, started the build on the day after Christmas, and finally got it fully functioning about a month ago. The pics are forth coming, I just have to finish compiling them from what I have, what my brother has, and what my dad has. End result is it runs fantastic. Way more torque than the original 4.6, it hardly even has to try when climbing a hill. The only major problem we had was making the exhaust work with the wider 5.4 and keeping the original 4.6 cats. In the haste of connecting the exhaust, the passenger side cat got smacked with a hammer out of frustration, and the ensuing rattle made us think that the torque converter was loose. Trans came out to make sure that TC and flywheel were tight. Then my lil brother bought a 04 CV that made the same rattle. That's when we figured out that it was the Cat. New walker cats and 02 sensors, rattle gone, runs like a dream.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
Is the trans up to the task of the added torque? The trans in explorers can be problematic (especially the 2004, which only lasted us 54k miles).
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
So far no issues with the trans, and it has over 150k on it. It relearned my pops driving style, and he's happier than a pig in slop. Though, he does seem to tow way over weight with it, and it tends to wipe the rear wheel bearings...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
