4x2 and 4x4 1999 explorer engines

[mgilker]

So I was looking at my engine on my newly bought 4x2 explorer, and have a 4x4 explorer well (both are SOHC and both 1999), are the engines the same? Can they be swapped around? I noticed on the driver side a sticker around the power steering pump that said "4x2" which got me wondering if the engines are the same.. Dose anyone know this?

 

[96ex5.0]

They should be the same.

 

[mgilker]

They should be the same.

Yeah, that's what I figured, just wanted to make sure.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

They are the same, with the exception of the balance shaft in the 4x4. But most people who have done the swap have concluded that the absence of the balance shaft is not an issue.

 

[mgilker]

Balancing shaft..? Is that the thing on the front of the engine on the pass side that is connected to the crank via timing chain?

 

[Flash]

They are the same, with the exception of the balance shaft in the 4x4. But most people who have done the swap have concluded that the absence of the balance shaft is not an issue.

Also the performance version of the Mustang with the manual gearbox and LSD has it.
It's to negate a vibration that occurs at around 2800 - 3000 rpm when under load.
Later models don't have so it that means that either Ford has found a different way to eliminate the vibration or they did a cost VS results exercise and decided it wasn't necessary.