2002 Explorer head replacement.

[torrencej13]

I have had my 2002 explorer for three years with no problems. Its an XLT and has the 4.0 SOHC. I had a misfire on cylinder 5 one day and got new plugs for the whole truck. THATS WHEN IT ALL STARTED!!!!. I stripped the spark plug hole on the #3 cylinder and tried to put a helicoil in it. On my way home from work the plug blew out of the head, so I knew I was in for a treat. I purchased a used head off of ebay that said it was for my year (2002) and started by dissasembling the motor only to find out I have to get two specialty tools, all new bolts, and new head gaskets and so much more. I was finally ready to put all back together when I notice the hole on the coolant flange was plugged. I realized it was just a freeze plug and knocked it out of the way. Then I was checking the rest of the head I purchased from the internet compared to the one I took off the truck and was instantly dissapointed. THE TENSIONER WAS ON THE WRONG SIDE. The guy on the internet told me the heads were the same from 98-03 apparantly that isnt true. Now I am worried I am going to purchase the wrong head again, and don't know where to go. What should I do?????

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 2002-2005 section.

 

[Merc02]

try here:
http://car-part.com/

its a link to a database for salvage yards across the country. Select your town and zip code. you can sort by year, price, part grade, distance, etc.

try to get one for the exact year as yours. be sure to match the fuel type also.( I think there was a Flex Fuel option) Take pictures of yours for reference when you go look at one.

 

[jayton]

The guy on the internet told me the heads were the same from 98-03 apparantly that isnt true.

Given that year range, it sounds like he was talking about the Explorer SPORT instead of the Explorer. Even though they both have the word Explorer in their name, they are two completely different vehicles.

 

[torrencej13]

Yea so I def goofed. I actually ordered the incorrect side. I needed the right or passenger side and in a hurry I clicked on the left side and purchased it from ebay wrong. They worked it out and sent me the correct side and now I have to put it in. I have already ordered all the specialty tools so I should be good hopefully I have no more suprises. Thanks for all the help.