Hi all,

New to the explorers, not new to cars.

My new winter vehicle is a 94 Explorer XLT 4x4 with 320,000 kms on it and since I'll be wanting to keep this relatively long term, I had a few questions and was looking for some guidance.

1. Although the engine seems to be running pretty well, I'd like to move to a V-8 power plant. I don't need anything larger than a 302/5.0. I've done some preliminary research and so far haven't seen anything overly discouraging.
Q: What would be a good candidate for an engine swap? I'd like to grab an engine with less mileage on it, so am aware I might have to source extra parts or fabricate something to host a new engine. What would be the best bang for the buck and what would I need to source or harvest from a donor?

2. With it being damn snowy and cold this winter, I've had to use the 4x4 aspect a lot. It got me thinking that I need to understand more about how these work (specific to the current transaxle, or what I'd need to look at with a donor).
Q: With the fact that I'm looking to move to a V-8, is there anything I should be looking to replace/rebuild to ensure that the drivetrain stays solid?

3. There's a fair amount of play in the steering wheel. I assume that the steering box could benefit from a rebuild. What other components should I look at fixing/rebuilding to tighten up the steering?

As I work on other vehicles as well, I know that often, designs often have flaws/weaknesses in them from the factory, which later get revised to a better/stronger design. Since I want to make this truck pretty bullet proof, are there any things I should look to look into, outside of the items listed above?
Things I can think of off the top of my head are

• Transfer case
• Electrical System (Alternator)
• Intake/exhaust
• driveaxles
• Cooling system (radiator)
• Anything that you'd replace immediately when buying one of these vehicles.

Thanks in advance.

 

Great. Just looked on the local classifieds and a dude is selling a low-mileage Triton powerplant, harness, trans, front diff. for relatively little. Seems pretty complete. I suspect this would complicate things, but has it been done?

I should have mentioned I'm no rookie to engine swaps, so "complicated" isn't a deterrant.

 

well i know ranger v8 swaps are very common, and the exporer is the same thing except for a few minor diffrences in structure, a 5.0 swap would probably be fairly straight forward, im not 100% sure if the 4.0's trans will bolt up to a 5.0, but i would think it would work. you would need a new harness for the Fuel Injection system at the least, as you are adding 2 more injectors, and a PCM from the donor 5.0.

 

Yeah. I did a little research. The Triton is probably just too damn big to fit into the Explorer (same with 351). You can do the 302/5.0, but it's best to get it from a Mustang as it's got a shorter oilpan.

Here's a link that a buddy forwarded me.

Ford Ranger V-8 engine swaps from Advance Adapters

 

im thinkin 5.0 HO out of a mustang in to the explorer...would make more sense then the lil V6 they stuck in that thing. 4.0's are great in rangers but i think there too small for the explorers. the body is too heavy for that enimic little V6. more power, and better fuel milage i bet.

 

Yeah. I agree....It has to work entirely too hard to get to the end goal.

 

A DOHC 4.6 will fit in a Ranger/Explorer engine bay. It is a very tight squeeze but they do fit.

 

Unless there's some sentimental reason to keep the '94, I think it would make more sense to just trade it up for a '98 (or whatever year you find) that already has the V8 in it.

"Private Party" value on kbb for a '98 with a V8, 100k miles, XLT with some goodies, and in "excellent" condiditon is about $4k.

Of course the V8 swap is possible and from your posts it sounds like your totally competent. It just seems easier and quicker and cleaner to me just to trade up to one that came that way.

On the other hand, if you do swap in a V8, particularly a 4.6, please keep us all in the loop with pics and such! Good luck!

Edit... you might also have a look over on the serious explorations site... LOTS of explorer modding going on over there. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/

 

The 5.0 Explorers were AWD rather than 4x4 but you can swap the AWD t-case for a 4x4 t-case out of an F-150.

Here is a picture of that DOHC 4.6 Ranger.

 

Yeah. Funny you guys should mention the 98. I ran across a 98 in town that a guy was pretty much giving away, but the belt had slipped, ruining the 6-cyl engine. I might just get that and look for the 4.6/5.0 and go for it.

That 4.6 looks sweet in the explorer though.

Thanks.

 

Well, back from the dead. I went to drive it today and I think the transfer case might have pooped the bed. No forward.

V8 and body armor here I come!!!!

 

I started shopping around today. Holy Hanna. There's a lot of engines for cheap. I'm used to VWs, so was blown away how many engines I could get with drivetrains for very little $$$.

So, can you guys help me with a shopping list? I'd prefer the AWD, but if I can't get that, keep the electronic 4x4 that I've currently got (or swap it with whatever's needed to mate to the v8)

 

Do yourself a favor and ditch the electronic 4x4 transfer case, cut a hole in the floor, and get a manual one. My '91 has electronic 4x4 and it is possibly the worst thing about the vehicle.

 

Ok, aside from the wiring swap, you will want a tougher trans. The older Explorers with the 4.0L used the A4LD, which can be upgraded to handle more power, up to the 300 hp range, but expect to spend around $2800 - $3500 for an upgraded trans. The '97 and newer use either the 4R44e, 4R55e, or 5R55e transmissions which are tougher. The 5R55e is the one you really want as it can cheaply be modified to handle the added power. You can also use a transmission from a F150.