Replacement Engine
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3
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Replacement Engine
Recently obtained a '92 EB Explorer 4.0L for my son that is now in need of a front Transmission seal. Reading all the posts about failed trans. I feel safer replacing the a4ld in this 156k-mile truck with a rebuilt.
I planned on doing a full rebuild on the engine as well while we've got the truck sidelined. I'm not a full-time mechanic but have done a few full rebuilds in my younger days.
I'm finding that master rebuild kits for this engine seem to be ridiculously priced around $1000. At this point, I have to look at some of the low-mileage engines available on places like eBay for $200-$600. These are mostly newer engines however.
The question is: How much trouble is replacing a circa '91-'94 4.0L Explorer engine with a later engine ('98, or newer)? Specifically, electrical, mounting, exhaust, etc.? What about the tranny, if I'm replacing it anyway, do I match the tranny to the truck or engine?
P.S. I know some of you are saying "Why not just replace the truck" but this is about project time with my son as much as anything
Thanks!
I planned on doing a full rebuild on the engine as well while we've got the truck sidelined. I'm not a full-time mechanic but have done a few full rebuilds in my younger days.
I'm finding that master rebuild kits for this engine seem to be ridiculously priced around $1000. At this point, I have to look at some of the low-mileage engines available on places like eBay for $200-$600. These are mostly newer engines however.
The question is: How much trouble is replacing a circa '91-'94 4.0L Explorer engine with a later engine ('98, or newer)? Specifically, electrical, mounting, exhaust, etc.? What about the tranny, if I'm replacing it anyway, do I match the tranny to the truck or engine?
P.S. I know some of you are saying "Why not just replace the truck" but this is about project time with my son as much as anything
Thanks!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
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From: South Texas
Replacement Engine
Unless you just love solving problems, stick with the original engine family for the year span. Later engines are overhead cam and may not clear the air conditioner evap coil box without major modifications. Then there will be other problems with the electronics / sensors & wiring to revamp. It will probably make that rebuild kit look cheap in the long run.
If by master kit you are referring to a kit with crank, pistons and cam/lifters along with bearings and gaskets, that doesn't seem exceptionally high. Check around for rebuilt long blocks and you should find your kit to be 1/2 to 2/3 longblock cost. Couple years ago I checked into rebuilt longblock from local rebuilder in my area and found it to be reasonably priced at $1300. That price was about $400 cheaper than what I found online from other sources. Price seemed to vary by regieon also. I am sure it is higher now.
I would suggest tearing the engine down first then getting cylinder bores checked to see if boring is needed. If not, you can reuse original pistons and save some money. Same for crank and cam. Have them mic'ed for wear and if in tolerance, re-use with new bearings and rings. Any good machine shop should be ready, willing and able to provide these services, for a price.
Dialtone
If by master kit you are referring to a kit with crank, pistons and cam/lifters along with bearings and gaskets, that doesn't seem exceptionally high. Check around for rebuilt long blocks and you should find your kit to be 1/2 to 2/3 longblock cost. Couple years ago I checked into rebuilt longblock from local rebuilder in my area and found it to be reasonably priced at $1300. That price was about $400 cheaper than what I found online from other sources. Price seemed to vary by regieon also. I am sure it is higher now.
I would suggest tearing the engine down first then getting cylinder bores checked to see if boring is needed. If not, you can reuse original pistons and save some money. Same for crank and cam. Have them mic'ed for wear and if in tolerance, re-use with new bearings and rings. Any good machine shop should be ready, willing and able to provide these services, for a price.
Dialtone
