On the 4.0 OHV motor, you don't have to drop the pan to do it. You have to remove the tranny, the flywheel, and the rear engine plate to get to it.
Here's the info on removing it from the Hayne's manual
1. With a sharp awl or similar tool, punch two holes in the seal on opposite sides just above the point where the main bearing cap meets the cylinder block.
2. Thread a sheet metal screw in each hole. Pry against the screws with 2 large screwdrivers or small prybars to remove the seal. Be very careful not to gouge the crankshaft.
3.Clean the oil seal bore in the block and main bearing cap. Check the seal bore and crankshaft sealing surfaces for nicks or burrs.
4. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the outer diameter of the seal. Apply a thin coat of Lubriplate or equivalent to the contact surfaces of the seal and crankshaft.
5. Position the seal in the bore with it's open end facing IN.
6. Drive the seal in with a seal driver until it is securely seated. Use a socket or piece of pipe the same diameter as the seal if a seal driver isn't available.
7. After installation, the front surface of the seal must be square with the centerline of the crankshaft within 0.015" (0.38mm)
I have did this before but not in a Explorer. Depends how knowlegable you are with working on your own stuff, like pulling trans out and stuff like that. I think I would pull the trans out to do this repair. It would be much easier and you can then look up into the seal area and see if there are any problems. As far as time. I dunno. Depends how fast you are what tools you got. You going to do this at home on the floor or at a shop with a hoist? Have you even pulled a trans out before? Personally, I think I could do it in 10 hours or less at home. Before you think you can let me tell you this. I am a ASE certified tech who has pulled about 10 engines and about 12 transmissions. I think I have alot of experance (sp) I have alot of tools and air tools. So time will depend on your experance and alot of other things too. I have also raised the engine up pulled the oil pan off and pulled the main cap off and pulled the seal out that way and then "fished" a new one in it's place. This way will save time. Just a few ideas.
