1991 explorer weak links

[dewbug111]

hi my name is dewbug
i just bought a 1991 ford explorer for off roading with the straight 6 cylinder engine in it. it has 150,000 miles i paid 200.00 ,runs.drives .but no title . just wondering if you ford fans could tell me what the weak links are ,and what am i going to do to make it trail ready . it already has warn locking hubs . thanks dewbug11


ps. i already have a 1982 full size ford bronco with 351m .locked rearend. 350 ratio. 32-10.50-15 swampers . just wondering if this would be a good change

 

[CodePoet]

Tranny is the weak link. The a4ld (auto) flat out sucks, and the manual isn't light years better. You can put a c4 or c5 in them though i beleive, or a 700r4 with the help of an adapter (Advanced Adapers $$$$), or a full size auto transmission with another adapter (4xfab).

 

[ma96782]

straight 6 cylinder engine

Fo Real???

Aloha, Mark

 

[Jason94sport]

ha ha

Well it's a 91. Most everything on it will need to be gone through. The engines are strong. The heads crack easy if you overheat, the tranny sucks(A4LD Auto) the 5 speed is better but still weak.
Keep in mind you have a 91, most weak points were upgraded by 94 model years.

 

[vrytired]

Fo Real???

Aloha, Mark

well theres the weak link, someone must have gone and put a jeep engine in it.

 

[IZwack]

or maybe even a BMW I-6

 

[dewbug111]

am sorry it has a v-6 4.0l in it

 

[Rick]

Welcome to the site.

They're correct. The tranny is the weak link, but the engine is strong. Many have 250k and they're still going.

If you're tranny does die check out our transmission forum for tips on properly rebuilding the A4LD. Besides that my best advice is to search for anything that interests you and keep and eye out for the "sticky" threads.

 

[marragtop]

Radius arm bushings are also a pita to replace if they are original and the rivets haven't been drilled out yet.

 

[hotshot31]

hello all...I have a 91 explorer 4.0,4x4 & am on my 2nd trans its a 5spd..I do off road cause I fight wildland fires...I'm thinking I'm going to have to put another trans in it cause this one is starting to act up not sure if the syncros or bearings are going on it...& was wondering if ya'll had any advice. was reading the about what CodePoet said........
Tranny is the weak link. The a4ld (auto) flat out sucks, and the manual isn't light years better. You can put a c4 or c5 in them though i beleive, or a 700r4 with the help of an adapter (Advanced Adapers $$$$), or a full size auto transmission with another adapter (4xfab)........
was wondering if it was possible..got a friend that said I could take the guts out of a 2.3,3.0,etc long as it was a mazda trans like mine...made with the same housing

 

[unclemeat]

The air intake is a weak link for off roading. It sucks air from behind the right headlight. The simplest thing to do is pull the tube or replace with a aftermarket air filter system.

Front bearings are also a weak link. They require extra maintenence especially with larger tires.