1991 Explorer engine options

[89lxinwky]

Hello, I just joined tonight. I've mainly worked on Mustang 5.0's but I have an opportunity with this Explorer to get it running. To make a long story short, in '98 my wife bought this '91 Explorer 4x4, automatic, Eddie Bauer. She drove it for a couple years, sold it to her Dad and he drove it for 7 years. It now has had a rough life with I think 330k miles on it is barely running. Maybe head gasket leaking or warped head from overheating. He said I could just get it out of his driveway and take it. I'm thinking of making it a work truck, daily driver beater, maybe paint it camo. Anyway, I'm wanting to get this thing running decent for as cheap as possible. I'm thinking I need to find a lower mileage 4.0L and do a complete direct engine swap and be done with it. What do I need to look for to make it easiest, I'm in no big hurry. Will '91, '92 Explorer or Ranger 4.0L work the best with the least amount of trouble? I'm not interested in doing a 5.0L swap and making a hot rod, just get this back on the road running decent. I'm in Western KY, anyone have anything I could use? I'm also looking to do a 5 lug conversion on an '89 Mustang so I could use some driver side axles from a Ranger or passenger side axles from an Aerostar.
Thanks
Chad

 

[Burns]

Yes the 91 or 92 4.0 from a ranger will work...I used one out of a 94 ranger for my swap.

Welcome to the site.

 

[glfredrick]

Might also check the 4.0 Aerostars -- they seldom get picked over at the yards... Same engine. I typically look for one hit in the rear or side -- as it was likely running when it entered the yard. Same goes for transmissions...

BW, it would be worth your drive to Louisville to get one from Pull-A-Part... They sell all their engines for $100. You pull. You could drive up, stay overnight, get it pulled and get back home cheaper than a local yard for $4-500...

 

[cybergasm]

I used a 93 ranger motor to swap into 91 when i was getting my junk running.

 

[rickcdewitt]

i'm in a similar situation since my parts 4.0l got ruined by water and i need to get one from the wreckers.i was wanting to broaden the search horizon a bit to include 95-2000 OHV motors but i heard the fast burn long block would cause the motor to burn up with the early 90's eec-lV cpu.does anyone know what it takes to use a fast burn motor in a open chamber truck?

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

pull-a-part is amazing! we have one here in augusta, it's sooo awesome, lol. sometimes i have to get a friend to go with me, but for the most part, i've never NOT found what i needed.