Ford Explorer dream build that needs editing
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Ford Explorer dream build that needs editing
This is a 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6 with a 3.73 limited slip diff and a A4LD transmission. This is the plan when I got to rebuild it someday. It still runs but it is going to need some loving after a few more year.
1️⃣ ENGINE — SHORT BLOCK (FOUNDATION)
Block & Rotating Assembly
Heads
Intake & Air
Headers: Shorty headers with merge collectors
Transmission: 4R55E swap
Wheels
Removed
Tune Characteristics
Power
1️⃣ ENGINE — SHORT BLOCK (FOUNDATION)
Block & Rotating Assembly
- Bore: .030” over
- Pistons: forged
- Compression ratio target: 9.7–10.0:1
- Crankshaft: Stock, polished and balanced
- Connecting rods: Stock
- Rod bolts: ARP upgraded and head studs
- Bearings: New (main & rod)
- Full rotating assembly balance
- Sonic check cylinders before boring, compression chosen for pump gas reliability, balance is critical for smooth daily operation
Heads
- Bowl porting
- Short-side radius cleanup
- 3-angle valve job
- Mild surface mill (only if needed for compression target)
- Camshaft: Comp Cams 422 (torque-focused)
- Valve springs: Matched to cam
- Lifters: New
- Pushrods: Quality hardened units
- Rockers: upgrade to 1.7 to reduce friction and noise (or keep stock)
- Idle will have a noticeable lope but remain dailyable
- Proper spring pressure is mandatory for cam longevity
Intake & Air
- Banks Power Cold Air Intake
- Lower intake: Port-matched
- Upper intake: Cleaned and blended
- Throttle body: 66–70 mm with Ported spacer
- MAF upgrade
- Injectors: 24 lb/hr
- Fuel pump: 255 LPH, New fuel filter
- MSD ignition coil
- High-quality spark plug wires
- Fresh spark plugs (proper heat range)
Headers: Shorty headers with merge collectors
- Exhaust layout: Dual
- Pipe diameter: 2.25–2.5”
- Catalytic converter: High-flow
- Mufflers: Flowmaster Super 44 (dual)
- Deep, aggressive idle
- Sharp bark on throttle
- Clean, non-raspy WOT
- Civilized cruise
Transmission: 4R55E swap
- External transmission cooler (mandatory)
- Fresh fluid and filter
- “Z” servos, hardened input shaft
- Torque converter stall: ~2200–2400 RPM
- Stock Ford 8.8
- 3.73 limited slip differential
- Inspect clutches and fluid
- Inspect balance
- Replace U-joints if needed
- Aluminum radiator
- New water pump
- New thermostat
- Fan: Quality fan clutch or properly wired electric fan
Wheels
- Size: 15x8
- Finish: Machined, Light weight
- Bolt pattern: 5x4.5
- Size: 31x10.50R15, Street-focused tire
- Mild front leveling lift: 1–2” (only if needed)
- Shocks: Bilstein-style or equivalent
Removed
- Spare tire, Jack
- Rear windshield washer tank & pump
- Battery moved to rear cargo area
- ~120–170 lb total weight reduction
- Improved front/rear balance
- Better traction on launch
- Frees engine bay space for intake
- Underdrive pulleys
- Reduced accessory drag
- Faster engine rev response
- Conservative pulley ratio to preserve charging and cooling
Tune Characteristics
- Aggressive torque-focused
- Safe for pump gas
- Conservative timing at cruise
- Sharp throttle response
- Optimized shift points
Power
- ~240–260 hp
- ~300–320 lb-ft torque
- Final curb weight: ~3,930–3,980 lb
- Stock: ~25.6 lb/hp
- Built: ~15.8 lb/hp
(~38% improvement)
- Aggressive launch
- Tire bark on demand
- Hard, clean shifts
- Strong 20–70 mph pull
- Calm highway manners
- Loud when you want it, quiet when you don’t
Last edited by Shadowkeeper550; Jan 24, 2026 at 03:51 PM.
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