Does it make sense to rebuild at 2003 Exp Limited?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
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Does it make sense to rebuild at 2003 Exp Limited?
Hi,
I have a 2003 Explorer 4.6 Limited 4x4. 335,000 miles, been through 46 of the 48. I love this car and its still amazing to drive. I've had plenty of work done on it over the years including a transmission rebuild at 100K, timing chain, alternator, multiple sets of wheel bearings and tires. The paint and body are still great - just a couple of areas of very minor surface rust.
Its getting to the point though that I might have to do some spendy things - like maybe a remanufactured engine, and another transmission rebuild.
Here's the question - if I did spend the money on those, and maybe a few other things like wheel bearings, new shocks, etc, could I expect to get another 150 - 200K miles on this vehicle? The cost to replace it with a truck-based chassis SUV is going to be a lot more than the work I'm contemplating, and I'm not too excited about spending $50K plus on a new set of wheels. is what I am suggesting a viable thing to do or should I get a new vehicle? I want to be able to drive it cross country without being concerned about a major mechanical failure.
Appreciate insights and opinions thanks!
Daniel.
I have a 2003 Explorer 4.6 Limited 4x4. 335,000 miles, been through 46 of the 48. I love this car and its still amazing to drive. I've had plenty of work done on it over the years including a transmission rebuild at 100K, timing chain, alternator, multiple sets of wheel bearings and tires. The paint and body are still great - just a couple of areas of very minor surface rust.
Its getting to the point though that I might have to do some spendy things - like maybe a remanufactured engine, and another transmission rebuild.
Here's the question - if I did spend the money on those, and maybe a few other things like wheel bearings, new shocks, etc, could I expect to get another 150 - 200K miles on this vehicle? The cost to replace it with a truck-based chassis SUV is going to be a lot more than the work I'm contemplating, and I'm not too excited about spending $50K plus on a new set of wheels. is what I am suggesting a viable thing to do or should I get a new vehicle? I want to be able to drive it cross country without being concerned about a major mechanical failure.
Appreciate insights and opinions thanks!
Daniel.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 312
Sure, it does.
Weigh all the options, though.
I was thinking remanned for for my ‘03 last year. Ended up finding a rather low mileage 4.2 out of an F150 in the Pittsburgh area and got it shipped to work. Heard it run in a video and said “send it” to the guy on the other end.
To me, a remanned engine was going to be more than I wanted to swing once labor to swap accessories over figured in. A complete engine took care of that. One out, one in.
As far as your theoretical mileage want/need…who knows. Just keep replacing parts. It’s just money, anyway.
Weigh all the options, though.
I was thinking remanned for for my ‘03 last year. Ended up finding a rather low mileage 4.2 out of an F150 in the Pittsburgh area and got it shipped to work. Heard it run in a video and said “send it” to the guy on the other end.
To me, a remanned engine was going to be more than I wanted to swing once labor to swap accessories over figured in. A complete engine took care of that. One out, one in.
As far as your theoretical mileage want/need…who knows. Just keep replacing parts. It’s just money, anyway.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 3
Sure, it does.
Weigh all the options, though.
I was thinking remanned for for my ‘03 last year. Ended up finding a rather low mileage 4.2 out of an F150 in the Pittsburgh area and got it shipped to work. Heard it run in a video and said “send it” to the guy on the other end.
To me, a remanned engine was going to be more than I wanted to swing once labor to swap accessories over figured in. A complete engine took care of that. One out, one in.
As far as your theoretical mileage want/need…who knows. Just keep replacing parts. It’s just money, anyway.
Weigh all the options, though.
I was thinking remanned for for my ‘03 last year. Ended up finding a rather low mileage 4.2 out of an F150 in the Pittsburgh area and got it shipped to work. Heard it run in a video and said “send it” to the guy on the other end.
To me, a remanned engine was going to be more than I wanted to swing once labor to swap accessories over figured in. A complete engine took care of that. One out, one in.
As far as your theoretical mileage want/need…who knows. Just keep replacing parts. It’s just money, anyway.
Daniel
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 3
Looks like the main remanufactured options are Jasper and Fraser. Any thoughts on those? Jasper seems to be available only through a repair shop, but it seems like they have a more consistent reputation.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
Rebuilt and Remanufactured Engines by Powertrain Products
FYI- I would also highly consider rebuilding what you have- using a local machine shop- there is nothig wrong with this approach and honestly I see alot of postings downplaying this when in fact it is an excellent, cost effective option.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
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Jasper Transmissions- yes they are good, the engines, no- many, many horror stories. Fraser seen both good and not so good. I would look at PowerTrain Products- excellent reputation.
Rebuilt and Remanufactured Engines by Powertrain Products
FYI- I would also highly consider rebuilding what you have- using a local machine shop- there is nothig wrong with this approach and honestly I see alot of postings downplaying this when in fact it is an excellent, cost effective option.
Rebuilt and Remanufactured Engines by Powertrain Products
FYI- I would also highly consider rebuilding what you have- using a local machine shop- there is nothig wrong with this approach and honestly I see alot of postings downplaying this when in fact it is an excellent, cost effective option.
Daniel.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Southern California
Yes but like all businesses, get a referral...talk to the guys who have the old school hot rods....1930's, etc. as they will know who is a good machinist!
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2003
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2003
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I'm reconsidering this whole approach (reman engine) now as I'm seeing terrible recent reviews of Jasper, Powertrain Products, Reman Engine, Blueprint, and ATK. Overwhelmingly bad reviews citing engine failure (sometimes right out of the crate), and a terrible warranty experience when things go wrong. What happened to these companies that they build @#$% like this?
I'm thinking that Beechkid's suggestion to find a local rebuilder and rebuild what I have is the best way to go. I have a great transmission shop that can do the transmission, but I need to do homework to find an engine rebuilder.
I'm thinking that Beechkid's suggestion to find a local rebuilder and rebuild what I have is the best way to go. I have a great transmission shop that can do the transmission, but I need to do homework to find an engine rebuilder.
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