Cant decide what to do with my broken Explorer

[pwrshft99]

I put this in the modification section because if I keep my EX is will be modified.

My 2000 Limited needs a new drivetrain basically.

Most importantly, I need to reach 25mpg highway in a 4 door Explorer. I no it will not be easy but its required to keep the truck I love.

The motor isn't that big an issue, there is one local for $500 with 70k miles. The transmission is my concern. I'd like to have lower RPMs on the highway and I'm wondering if there is a version of the auto trans with different gearing I can use. I know the 4R70W was used in the 4.6 Mustangs and others vehicles but not sure of its compatibility.

Id really like to do a 5 speed/4WD swap from a V6 F150. It would help my mileage but is the more expensive and time consuming way to go.

If I'm limited to a stock replacement auto, Id consider changing differential gearing as well. Not sure what I have. The other mods in name of MPGs would be lowering and an electric fan.


Well, is this worth the effort? Is 25mpg highway a reasonable goal for a well tuned, modified EX 5.0 ???

I'm hoping to get up and running again for under $1500. I drive 500 miles a week and gas is killing me but so would driving a little ****box.

 

[shadowless127]

Only option for an A/T is the 4r70w.

Light foot, cruise control, free flowing intake/exhaust, minimal A/C usage, a Henson Performance custom tune.

My 01 5.0 gets around 20mpg hwy @ 70-75mph and it's in far from tip top shape (Needs fuel filter, could use plugs/wires, air filter, etc.).

 

[Joe Dirt]

Take the $1,500 and buy a s**tbox. Take gas savings and put it aside. Fix Ex when you have the money, and keep it for once-in-a-while driving when you have Explorer withdrawls.

I would only fear that you'll start spending money on it, and end up with $1,500 spent on an almost-fixed Ex that will still produce well under 20mpg even lowered and spinning an electric fan.

 

[FROADER]

Seems like the rear end re-gear would be a lot easier and cheaper than worrying about what other trans would work.

 

[pwrshft99]

Well I thought about a different trans because the one in it has been shudderring going into OD. If I'm replace the motor I'd do the trans at the same time. The gears aren't giving me any problems so that would have been a last resort, although an effective one.

The EX is supposed to be me daily. I would consider fixing it slowly but I'm racking up too many mile on my supercharged Mustang and its not even summer yet. If I did buy an econobox it would mean the explorer would have to go, no room for three.

I have been able to get 21mpg on the highway as it sits. That's why I was hoping a fresher drivetrain and maybe a few other mods would get me near that 25 MPG highway.

 

[shadowless127]

Well I thought about a different trans because the one in it has been shudderring going into OD. If I'm replace the motor I'd do the trans at the same time. The gears aren't giving me any problems so that would have been a last resort, although an effective one.

The EX is supposed to be me daily. I would consider fixing it slowly but I'm racking up too many mile on my supercharged Mustang and its not even summer yet. If I did buy an econobox it would mean the explorer would have to go, no room for three.

I have been able to get 21mpg on the highway as it sits. That's why I was hoping a fresher drivetrain and maybe a few other mods would get me near that 25 MPG highway.

The shuddering going into OD is a Torque converter issue, no need to replace the entire trans.

Here's what I'd do since it seems you're terribly against an econobox

TM Headers
less restrictive muffler
rear cat delete
2.5" pipes
3" tailpipe
New Fuel Filter
MAF adapter and cone filter
Seafoam engine treatment
Henson Tune
Clean engine components (MAF, IAC, etc.)
May also want to consider a 4406 swap, to give you 2WD which will also help increase gas mileage.

As far as gearing, I feel like the 3.55's wouldn't be much of an improvement gas mileage wise over the stock 3.73's the LTD comes with.

 

[FROADER]

The shuddering going into OD is a Torque converter issue, no need to replace the entire trans.

That's what I was hoping, but it's not always the case.
I just had to have a full rebuild of my F150 trans after it was shuddering in OD at low RPMs. Opened it up and was lucky it was even moving the truck in 3rd.

shadowless's list should easily get you your desired results.

 

[JCat]

Our Honda 2004 CRV gets 26 mpg. I do not believe you will ever get 25 mpg from a Ford Explorer.

2004 Honda CR-V 2WD 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular Gasoline
.
.

 

[shadowless127]

Our Honda 2004 CRV gets 26 mpg. I do not believe you will ever get 25 mpg from a Ford Explorer.

2004 Honda CR-V 2WD 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular Gasoline
.
.

I suggest you search Aldive's rig.

 

[shadowless127]

That's what I was hoping, but it's not always the case.
I just had to have a full rebuild of my F150 trans after it was shuddering in OD at low RPMs. Opened it up and was lucky it was even moving the truck in 3rd.

shadowless's list should easily get you your desired results.

I was speaking more or less in generalities. He'd be best served to get a new Torque Converter if he decided to rebuild anyway.

 

[pwrshft99]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'm getting the 70k mile 5.0 for $450. Hopefully ill get some of my money back pulling and selling the GT40P heads and intake I have now.

I think I will try a rebuilt or used TC. If that doesn't fix the shudderring I think I will drive it as is until I get all the parts for a 5 speed swap.

 

[rabbit91]

I dont think 25MPG is out of the question...I achieve 21 MPG loaded with gear on the highway doing 65 mph. only thing the engine has for help is top of the line plugs and new air filter...

I have stock gearing 3.73 and 32'' tires that are FULL of air and I am lifted

Not sure if it was mentioned but full synthetics will really help and also prolong the life of your X

Good Luck

 

[shadowless127]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'm getting the 70k mile 5.0 for $450. Hopefully ill get some of my money back pulling and selling the GT40P heads and intake I have now.

I think I will try a rebuilt or used TC. If that doesn't fix the shudderring I think I will drive it as is until I get all the parts for a 5 speed swap.

I paid $350 bucks for a Transmission and matching TC that had 78K on it from my local JY. You should just do that.