Blew up my explorer this mornin, towed into work

[Hundehuchen]

1996 Explorer 4x4 XLT Automatic 4.0L, doing my normal drive to work early this morning. Started going up a small hill and heard a tremendous knocking in the engine compartment. Lost most power, so I turned it off and called the tow truck. Checked the dipstick, has some brass on it... I'm thinking main Bearings. Engine has 187K on it (what a trooper)

Whats the complexity on taking one out and puttin a new one in?

Also Can I use almost any Ford 4 Liter in there?

And if anyone is in the San Diego area and has an affordable engine.... PLEASE Let me know.

 

[CobraSix]

Brass = bad, most likely a spun bearing

The swap itself isn't too bad if you've done any kind of engine swap before. If you don't have any experience with it, it can be a pain. Plus side, the 4.0 is relatively small for the engine bay. Not like cramming a large engine in there.

My advice, if you have friends that are mechanically inclined, bribe them with beer and a bbq.

Most 4.0s should fit, but I'm not familiar if there are different cams used for different cars. If you can get your hands on a 97+ 4.0 (ohv, not sohc), it had some improvements in the intake system that helped with some power.

Pointers:
1) Lots of pictures, when in doubt...take 2 pictures.
2) Label every wire you take off, take a picture of it before you take it off, and document (in writing) which wire and which picture number it was. Trust me on this one. I can swap out an engine in my 65 mustang in a few hours because it has a whole of 3 wires connected to the engine block. It takes 2-3 hours just to find and disconnect wires on modern engine.
3) Buy a lot of zip lock bags and a sharpie pen. Label every nut and bolt in a bag, and then note the bag and contents in a note book. Take a picture as you remove them (if you can) and note the picture number as well.

 

[alohamonte]

For the cost/investment of replacing the engine, I would just spent the same money to get a replacement explorer. You can get a 99-01 for 3-4k all day long.

 

[Hundehuchen]

Would the 97 4.0 work with my ECU?

I work in Automotive, just figured there may be a difference somewhere.

 

[Hundehuchen]

I think I have it figured out... The engine in there has the cast iron heads, not the aluminium ones, Could I use an engine out a a 94 Aerostar ?

 

[cattleshow]

Just wondering--Can the engine and tranny come out as a unit through the front. ?