5-speed swap?

[SPR-GRN]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has managed to do a 5-speed swap into ths gen explorer; I know it was done in the previous generation, but I want to know about this gen (fyi several searches yielded nothing).

Thanks

 

[King of So Cal]

You know this 4th gen area right?

 

[SPR-GRN]

yes - my goal in the end is something with a 4.6L, 5 speed, and a bed, that isnt a full size pickup truck (98-02 F150, where trans and case will come from). Thats why I posted here.

Issues -
3rd gen sport trac was only a V6, don't want to have to do an engine swap.
4th gen sport trac is a 4.6L, but has a full time AWD system, thats why I posed the question.
a 4.6L swap on a Ranger is just out of the question, I have found no realistic way to swap that short of sticking a Ranger badge to an F-150.

I'm just looking for the easiest way to get where I want to be: Small truck or suv with a bed, modular motor, manual transmission, 4wheel drive.

Thanks

 

[King of So Cal]

ok, you know f150's aren't HUGE... you just don't like them?

 

[SPR-GRN]

I don't like the newer F-150's for several reasons... When compared to a 4.6L explorer they are dog slow and huge. I've driven 4.6L and 5.4L f150's, and disliked both of them. It should also be noted that an F150 weighs 2000lbs or so more than an explorer, which only adds to the lumbering feeling of them. Don't get me wrong I'm sure the F150 is a great truck for many people, I am just not one of them. I just need to put my motorcycle in the back of it, or a few sheets of plywood.
The only truck out there that is a V8 and a stick is the 05-07 Dodge Dakota - 6spd, 4.7L V8, but it's a Dodge and if that isn't enough, those trucks are hard to find anyways.

 

[tmsoko]

V8 swap in original sport trac is best option. Could be done in a weekend with explorer 302 V8 donor truck.

4.6L Ranger not that bad - there are many out there

5 speed in a 2007+ sport trac - why? If doing it, go to a T56 or TR6060 6 -speed. Why screw around with a weak 5 speed. The late 6 speeds are much better.

 

[bender]

(I know it isnt a V8 but...) How about a Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 6spd manual 4x4? v6 with 260+ HP and towing capacity of 6k+

Chevy Colorado has V8 option, no manual option with it i assume?

Just trying to think of factory options but if you're up for a project custom setups are always cool.

 

[SPR-GRN]

I didn't know there was a transfer case out there that would bolt up to the t56 or tr6060, yeah, I'd prefer a 6 Spd
No 5.0, unless it's the new modular job; I don't want a pushrod v8
I've looked at and test driven Nissan and toyota options, don't like them, and really prefer an American truck.
Also looked at the 5.7L Colorado, but don't want an auto trans.. I suppose I could go the Colorado route and look into a 6spd swap (comes auto only), but I'm pretty sure those colorados are still OHV, correct me if I'm wrong here.
My problem with v6 trucks isn't the horsepower, it's the low end torque - the only way to get a good torque rating out of a v6 is forced induction, and I don't want to go there.

 

[tmsoko]

302 windors engine is a fine enginre. Plenty of power and low end torque. A crap load of performance parts available as well and quite cost efficient.

As for the transfer case - you are correct. Nothing available to bolt a t-case to a Tr6060 or T56. Several have done custom jobs, utilizing a corvette rear case section and making an adaptor plate. Can be done, but time and money.

 

[tmike]

Just wondering why you want a MOD motor over a OHV, much easier to do a swap with OHV then a MOD motor.

 

[SPR-GRN]

I like the linear power development, and the balance of the ohc engines. I am aware the windsor motors are great, I have a 302 in my 66 mustang, had a 302 f150 for a while etc. I currently have a 3rd gen 4.6L explorer like the 4.6l, but hate the trans and want a bed. I don't want to go backwards; I'm not going to remove an ohc v6, and stuff an old iron block v8 in there, and re-wire the vehicle; I may as well throw a carb on top of the motor while I'm at it. This is going to be a daily driver. I'll restate my original question, as we've gotten away from it:

Has anyone performed a 5spd swap in a 4th gen 4.6L explorer? I do not want to swap an engine, just a trans and transfer case.

 

[tmike]

I like the linear power development, and the balance of the ohc engines. I am aware the windsor motors are great, I have a 302 in my 66 mustang, had a 302 f150 for a while etc. I currently have a 3rd gen 4.6L explorer like the 4.6l, but hate the trans and want a bed. I don't want to go backwards; I'm not going to remove an ohc v6, and stuff an old iron block v8 in there, and re-wire the vehicle; I may as well throw a carb on top of the motor while I'm at it. This is going to be a daily driver. I'll restate my original question, as we've gotten away from it:

Has anyone performed a 5spd swap in a 4th gen 4.6L explorer? I do not want to swap an engine, just a trans and transfer case.

you do realize the New ZR1 Vette is OHV, right? So, tell how that is going backwards. The 4.6 is ancient compared to the NEW 302/5.0 (the coyote)! You can build a 302 OHV base block that will produce a hell of alot more than a 4.6 and cheaper.

 

[SPR-GRN]

Stop the freaking ohv love people. Ford stopped devolpment on the 302 ohv for production vehicles in the early 90's, GM on the other hand has continued devolpment on the LS series of engines.
It's going backwards because ford NO LONGER USES AN OHV V8 IN A PRODUCTON VEHICLE.
Furthermore I DO NOT WANT TO DO AN ENGINE SWAP.
I want to PUT A 5SPD MANUAL IN A FOURTH GEN SPORT TRAC EXPLORER. I AM NOT BUILDING AN ENGINE.
Do the caps help?

 

[michael loibl]

I was able to put a five speed manual in my 06 explorer once. It fit no problem, We even had room for the rest of the Miata parts from the swap meet, but we didnt have the third row seat up at the time. A little advice...DONT SPILL ANY TRANS FLUID IN THE TRUNK, ITS HARD TO GET THE SMELL OUT! Do these caps help?
Seriously though, I think what you are trying to do would be great, Manuals and people who can drive them properly are a dying breed!

 

[DV8]

there's a place called advance adapters that can sell you any kind of adapter you would need to do this swap. and if they dont have it, they'll make it to your specs. check'em out. www.advanceadapters.com

 

[tmsoko]

A T5 5-Speed, a 1354 or 4405 transfer case and advance adaptors adaptor is only off the shelf solution. Could do an F150 M5OD with 4406, with factory parts. Have nothing good to say about either of those transmissions.

Other than that, you are going real custom.

Also, need to think about a tun to turn off the transmission functions. That could be easy or could be a real pain. I know there is very little know about the controls for the 6R60/80 transmission programming in the explorers.

 

[SPR-GRN]

Just thinking out loud here but...
ZF-6 and BW 4406 used in the F-250 will bolt to a 5.4L; therefore will also bolt to a 4.6L; wouldnt this be a better option? I know I'll have to modify the floorboard, but there is a console over that anyways, so why not? other issue i can think of - front driveshaft length

michael loibl - can you send me any info you have about your swap? I really want to do this.

Thanks to those of you with constructive posts

 

[tmsoko]

ZF trans is a full on truck transmission - granny gear and all. Not going to shift like anything other than a truck - that what you are after?

 

[SPR-GRN]

I'm aware the ZF6 is a truck transmission, and hey the explorer is a truck, albeit a small truck; it's just a matter of making the transmission and t-case fit and everything work.. From what I read about the M5OD transmission, I don't want one anyways. The ZF5 & ZF6 are far more durable, although shifting has been likened to "stirring a pot of nuts and bolts" I'm not going into this thinking I'll get T-56 shifting and close ratios; I'm just looking for a manual trans that wont tach me out on the highway and will bolt up to a 4.6L. I'll throw taller tires on it if the granny gear is too much for me..