2001 Explorer Sport (Production 06-00) Engine Swap

[maybe2fast]

What engines can I use in my 2001 Explorer Sport 4.0 4x4
I just bought this with a blown engine, and want a used motor, but production date is coming into question when I call on a used motor.
Can I just use a newer motor? Or do I need a 2001 engine for this truck?

I am a Service manager and now how other year engines can work great in older vehicles, but I am getting no options on this particular vehicle.

Thanks guys, first post here. I am a big forum user on other forums though.

 

[maybe2fast]

just found an engine out of a 2004 Explorer 42,000mi

will this engine work?

 

[Silver X]

That engine should be fine if it is also from a 4x4. If it is from a 2wd, it will not have the balance shaft. It will end up with vibration that you can hear and feel.

I recently swapped a 4.0L SOHC from an '05 Ranger into my Explorer. Both engines were stripped down to longblocks and the upper stuff was swapped over. Didn't really come across any problems.

The ad for this engine stated it was from a 4wd, but turned out to be 2wd when I got it. Everything works great, except for the light vibration. I don't notice it much with my fairly aggressive tires. Only happens at a certain frequency.

 

[CDW6212R]

The long blocks are almost all the same through the years. The balance shaft for 4WD models is the only odd thing. Thanks Mike for the post about yours, others have suggested that the 2WD didn't have vibration issues, or to leave out the balance shaft for a rebuild.

I removed my balance shaft to re-time it, the marks were off when I did the valvetrain. I am not positive but I don't recall there being any oil passages that would keep you from using the balance shaft in the 2WD engine. It had four bolts holding it on, the holes may not be in the 2WD block. Mike, did you look at that, or just bolt it in?

 

[Silver X]

I was told it was from a 4x4 (in the ad and when I called to buy it), so never bothered to check. The engine only had 4k miles on it, so I didn't even remove the cam covers...only the stuff that wasn't compatible. The engine was so clean, I could eat off it. I felt a wierd vibration up front while driving after the swap. You don't feel or hear it at all when sitting still, just while driving at a certain RPM. I called the place the engine came from and they found it was from a 2wd. I was pissed, but there isn't much I can do about it. It runs great and doesn't rattle or have any other problems.

My dad is a retired Ford engineer who worked on the 4.0L program for a short time. When I was looking for an engine, he called some contacts there about the 2wd/4wd issues. They said without the balance shaft, there would be a second order vibration in the front axle caused by the specific frequency of the engine vibration. So its more of an annoyance, than anything. It won't hurt anything. I tried to make sure I got a 4wd app, since I already knew what to expect from a 2wd, but that's how my luck goes. Oh well.

EDIT:
I would also recommend getting an '03 or later 4.0L for a replacement. That way you can be sure it has the upgraded timing chain components. The earlier parts are known for being weak and failing.

 

[4x4xbrian.com]

Most rangers do not have the balance shaft 4x4 or not, I have been curious about this for some time. I found this out when I was ordering parts to do my cam chains/tensioners.
The reason production dates are needed is that most yards sell "engine assemblys" (this includes emmision hardware like egr, sensors, manifolds, etc) not long blocks. the long blocks are interchangeable as long as you mind the balance shaft issue.

 

[CDW6212R]

I still wonder if the balance shaft can be swapped onto a 2WD SOHC, which would help some people.

 

[4x4xbrian.com]

post that ? in a new thread mabee you can get it answerd by someone who has one of each to try...

 

[maybe2fast]

well, I found out the 2004 explorer engine I found was 4x4 so I should be good.

 

[bustdnukls]

Eliminate the balance shaft?

I have my son's 99 4x2 apart due to failed jack shaft tensioner. It had a 98 4.0L SOHC 4x4 engine installed several years ago. I learned this when I observed the balance shaft (also with failed tensioner).

Since this is a 4x2, can I safely remove and eliminate the balance shaft, leaving only the crank gear in place?

 

[CDW6212R]

There is at least one thread here about doing that. I wouldn't leave the balance shaft out unless you can determine that someone else has done it successfully. I don't think that they posted back the results in the thread.

 

[bustdnukls]

Don, Thanks for the input. I may be the first to do this, but everything I've read indicates that the balance shaft is designed to cancel a second harmonic in the 4WD front drive. Having it in a 2WD should be just like not having it in a 4WD. I plan to remove it and see what happens. Wish me luck! I'll post a reply with my success or failure! Bill in Chattanooga

 

[williams.cory]

to bad you could drop a 5.0L v8 in it! That would be awesome!

 

[kevinspann]

I still wonder if the balance shaft can be swapped onto a 2WD SOHC, which would help some people.

I've added the balance shaft to the Ranger engine that I put in my Explorer, and have a vibration anyways :thumbdwn::thumbdwn:


I thought I had the shaft timed correctly when I put it in. The only way to find out is to pull the engine, again, and drop the pans, since this doesnt seem like it can be done in-car.

 

[CDW6212R]

I R&R'd my balance shaft without removing the engine. The engine needs to come up a couple of inches to help with the upper oil pan, but that is not bad to do.

 

[kevinspann]

Thats what it looks like to me too, Im guessing id have to unbolt the exhaust and such too.

I'm just wondering if I'd have to drop the front axle down to get to it.

 

[CDW6212R]

The collector bolts have to come out, but I don't recall about the diff. I had my front diff out to replace the three seals back then, but I'm not sure if I did it at the same time.