08 sport trac engine swap questions

[traviswhawk]

I have a 08 sport trac v6 xlt 4x4. I got the sport trac for a everyday driver that I could take off-roading every now and then. lately I've become worried that the 4.0 liter v6 wont have enough power to pull a trailer with a set of 4wheelers on it. I looked up what people were saying about the 4.6 liter v8 engine and it seemed that it didn't have much more power than the v6. So I started looking into swapping out the engine with a even bigger one but I cant seem to find anything on how big of an engine II can put in my sport trac. Does anyone know how big of an engine I can put in it? Should I look into getting an engine that isn't made by ford? Any info would be welcome and is better than what I have now.

 

[SoCal2V]

How much total weight are you looking to pull? Your ST can haul 3 or 4K no problem - my '08 Explorer is basically the same as your truck and I've had no issues pulling a 1,000lb trailer with 2,000lbs of crap in it, plus of course me and my family loaded up in the vehicle. A small trailer with a couple quads + whatever gear should be no big deal for your truck.

I would try it first before deciding on an engine swap. I don't know the in's and out's of a 4.0 to 4.6 swap but most likely at a minimum would involve the new engine, pcm and harness. And probably some PATS issues to deal with and as per usual at least a few odds n' ends in terms of other misc parts needed. In terms of money spent, by the time all was said and done you could probably just sell your ST and get an F150 with a 5.4 and have much less bullshit and end up with a much better towing capability anyway.

If you were to do a 3V 4.6 there are plenty of mods out there for it; keep in mind it is almost exactly the same engine used in the Mustang from 2005-10, so there is no shortage of aftermarket support for it.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Not going to happen unless you got lots of love of the truck, time, money and can code. There was a guy droped a coyote in his adrenelin a few years ago and it was a project of love for a professional. Best of luck to you. Even a 4.6 your better off trading yours in. You pretty much need a complete donor with electronics, a full functioning engine, as well as transmission. The days of swapping in a bigger engine for the every day guy ended around 2000.

 

[traviswhawk]

I bought my ST in September of 2015 so I haven't had it for long. that being said I don't think trading it in for a f150 would agree with my wallet. I'm mostly considering it just in case it can't pull what I want it to or the engine goes out (fingers crossed that doesn't happen). I love my ST but I can't help wonder if I'm missing out on power with the v6.
I've seen plenty of engine swaps on old and new cars and trucks but only the one for the ST adrenalin as long as I can find a good parts car and a pcm that can be mapped I think it can be done. thanks for the input though it was really helpful.

 

[ttbit]

Stock, the v8 STs hold their value VERY well, but a swapped one won't. I'd say don't bother with the swap. Trade it, if you HAVE to get the v8 and cut your loses there. If you do get one, get the best Ford ESP you can get. These newer vehicles have issues that can be expensive to get fixed.

If you MUST do a swap, get a donor vehicle. It was the best thing I ever did on my 1st gen ST v8 swap. I had everything I needed and then sold off the extras!