1998 Explorer 5.0 “Restoration2021” project

[SuperGordo]

The Valve seals were supposed to be the turnaround point in the project. After seeing the thermostat today I'm considering pulling the timing cover and the oil pan. At 253k Maybe I just need to do the oil pump, oil pan gasket, motor mounts and timing set while I have so much of this EX apart. Really wouldn't be much after that.

 

[SuperGordo]

Here are some pics I took with my HD borescope. Mild amount of carbon and still have crosshatch on the cylinder walls. This makes me happy.

 

[1998Exp]

Looks like the previous owner used tap water in the cooling system -- and his tap water must have been very hard.

 

[SuperGordo]

Looks like the previous owner used tap water in the cooling system -- and his tap water must have been very hard.

It was full of water when I drained it. The water here in Las Vegas is indeed very hard from the tap. You win a cookie!!

 

[CDW6212R]

Well done to resurrect that truck for your daughter.

The timing set would be great to change, the oil pump I'd leave in place unless something pointed to low pressure. The water pump though is a prime weak link to replace, age and the corrosion/breaking of the upper long bolts is common.

 

[410Fortune]

wicked cool!!
I just restored a 97, mine was a little easier since it was 1 owner and has 101K miles, but it did sit in a barn for two years with a bad fuel pump. I had to swap out the entire hvac system and interior with those from another truck...... came out *****in!
I like what you are doing here, these old rigs deserve our attention!

Well done!

 

[SuperGordo]

Well done to resurrect that truck for your daughter.

The timing set would be great to change, the oil pump I'd leave in place unless something pointed to low pressure. The water pump though is a prime weak link to replace, age and the corrosion/breaking of the upper long bolts is common.

Thanks. The water pump looks like it's been replaced. But with all the corrosion I think I want to have a good look at it. The fan clutch is original. And the front cover looks rather seepy. The oil pan gasket also looks seepy so I figured just knock it all out at once. A melling oil pump is $35. I'm about 85% sure I'm just gonna go in and get it all done.

 

[SuperGordo]

wicked cool!!
I just restored a 97, mine was a little easier since it was 1 owner and has 101K miles, but it did sit in a barn for two years with a bad fuel pump. I had to swap out the entire hvac system and interior with those from another truck...... came out *****in!
I like what you are doing here, these old rigs deserve our attention!

Well done!

Thanks. Your project sounds good too! I figure this is a great platform, reliable drivetrain that she can count on. And the Registration and insurance won't be much.

 

[EB4X]

Here's the hub caps that came with those rims (although most of Fords from this era will work) ...
NOS, not cheap (cheaper than other NOS listed though) but they do have the "make offer" option...so GO LOW and see what happens
>>> ONE GENUINE FORD RANGER CROWN VICTORIA WHEEL CENTER CAP ORNAMENT F87Z-1130-DA | eBay

 

[CDW6212R]

Thanks. The water pump looks like it's been replaced. But with all the corrosion I think I want to have a good look at it. The fan clutch is original. And the front cover looks rather seepy. The oil pan gasket also looks seepy so I figured just knock it all out at once. A melling oil pump is $35. I'm about 85% sure I'm just gonna go in and get it all done.

My last 98 302 had a new looking WP, but the timing cover began to leak last year about now. I had to replace the timing cover gasket, likely the person who did the WP got the timing cover gasket loosened up, and it failed when I had it. You definitely want to do the timing cover gasket, the chain and gears, plus WP. The oil pump is cheap but a PITA to get it R&R'd. Look into how the few others have lifted the engine enough to get to the oil pump, how the pan leaks is a worthy concern too of course.

 

[SuperGordo]

Here's the hub caps that came with those rims (although most of Fords from this era will work) ...
NOS, not cheap (cheaper than other NOS listed though) but they do have the "make offer" option...so GO LOW and see what happens
>>> ONE GENUINE FORD RANGER CROWN VICTORIA WHEEL CENTER CAP ORNAMENT F87Z-1130-DA | eBay

Im going to be using the 15x7 ranger wheels. The stock wheels will be shelved. I don't have all four of the stock wheels anyway. I'll be using these caps.

Fit For Ford RANGER BRONCO II EXPLORER CHROME WHEEL CENTER HUB CAP BLACK CENTER | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Fit For Ford RANGER BRONCO II EXPLORER CHROME WHEEL CENTER HUB CAP BLACK CENTER at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[SuperGordo]

My last 98 302 had a new looking WP, but the timing cover began to leak last year about now. I had to replace the timing cover gasket, likely the person who did the WP got the timing cover gasket loosened up, and it failed when I had it. You definitely want to do the timing cover gasket, the chain and gears, plus WP. The oil pump is cheap but a PITA to get it R&R'd. Look into how the few others have lifted the engine enough to get to the oil pump, how the pan leaks is a worthy concern too of course.

With as far into this project I am, there is almost no reason to just knock out these items.

 

[410Fortune]

just pull the engine re seal from front main to rear main and oil pan to intake......
this will make the timing cover, oil pan and oil pump WAY EASIER and you can re seal all other gaskets and O rings while it is out

 

[SuperGordo]

just pull the engine re seal from front main to rear main and oil pan to intake......
this will make the timing cover, oil pan and oil pump WAY EASIER and you can re seal all other gaskets and O rings while it is out

No time to pull the engine. I already have all the access since I've already taken most of the engine bay apart. I can do this in a day in vehicle. But I completely understand what you are saying. And in theory I don't disagree. But at this stage, I'll press on.

 

[EB4X]

Do you still have most of the dash apart ?

 

[SuperGordo]

Do you still have most of the dash apart ?

All the trim is off, but all the 13mm bolts are mounted. So basically yes.

 

[sandsprayer]

This is a great read, you are really showing the love to your daughter and her "new" Ex.
Any chance you are looking to adopt a sub 60 year old white guy?

 

[EB4X]

All the trim is off, but all the 13mm bolts are mounted. So basically yes.

You should pop in a new heater core since halfway there....I think they're only about $50 too.....

 

[SuperGordo]

You should pop in a new heater core since halfway there....I think they're only about $50 too.....

I already did the heater core and the blend door actuator

 

[EB4X]

This is a great read, you are really showing the love to your daughter and her "new" Ex.
Any chance you are looking to adopt a sub 60 year old white guy?

The danger here is once he's done is he REALLY going to be able to give the Explorer up knowing how sweet it's now setup ....?