Do you guys think I am nuts?

Lazerskull · April 1, 2025

Been running a 97 SOHC rebuilt engine rebuilt tranny rebuilt t case
The winter of 22 - 23 in the Sierra was too much and my dumb ___ forgot to change the t case fluid and i blew it out (it was the most snow we had on record in one month in 50 years) so t case blew up
i sourced one non guarenteed "as is" from a scrap yard and had my trans shop throw it in

didnt like it only ran up to 40 mph sounded horrible / blinking 4wd Hi Low lights in dash

okay so after that I didnt drive it put it on non op
once in awhile start it etc

Okay well after 6 mo I really fd up didnt start it now it wont turn over
But I know it has to be something simple from sitting like old gas etc
Anyway thats not the issue

So today a guy had listed a 1997 Sohc V6
4.0 Exactly same model as mine with only 191,000 k miles

Everything runs smooth
I managed to get it for 2,900 bucks

So now I got two explorers

My blue one is my baby that had the blown t case

if I can just plug in a working t case, this explorer is set to go another 100k fully rebuilt engine etc

so I want to start ripping all the things I need off this 2,900 explorer

it has a driver seat in great shape working power window motors etc and of course a working transfer case !!!

after i get first dibs on everything i need
i guess i can advertise it "for parts" or maybe just non op it have it for myself ?

i feel like from the outside ppl are judging me as a weirdo with a fascination for old explorers (not exactly classic car)

The reason i find myself here is cuz i dont have the mechanical confidence to make a franken t case ... and 97 t cases are the princess and the pea of all t cases

Fix4Dirt · April 1, 2025

I dont think youre crazy! I would do the same for my rig. My neighbors already know Im crazy, but so are they (a few of them have a few parts cars, a few nonrunners, etc) Dont let other people judge ya as long as ya ain got 5 stripped trucks in the street, I see no issue.

Josh P · April 2, 2025

Fix4Dirt said:
Dont let other people judge ya as long as ya ain got 5 stripped trucks in the street,

You just described half of California.

410Fortune · April 2, 2025

I have like 15 gen ii explorers I must be king of the nut jobs
I use their parts to out rangers and other clean trucks back on the road

If I was you I would keep both trucks
Both clean trucks w good titles

The non runner just needs a 97 control trac t case and some love to turn over and run again

The new $2900
Truck already runs good so why take it apart
Fix the other? Keep em Both on the road

We can fix that t case issue and get it to turn over

Lazerskull · April 2, 2025

Fix4Dirt said:
I dont think youre crazy! I would do the same for my rig. My neighbors already know Im crazy, but so are they (a few of them have a few parts cars, a few nonrunners, etc) Dont let other people judge ya as long as ya ain got 5 stripped trucks in the street, I see no issue.

DintDobbs · April 2, 2025

I'm with Jamie (410Fortune)... Don't take apart one working truck to make an other one, run the $2900 until you get the transfer case for your original, and then keep both. 2nd gen Explorers are good vehicles. I have multiple, every one should.

wollimann · April 2, 2025

I am still in a similar position, one daily driver and one for parts.
I think it is normal to have an ammount of parts for a 29 year old car.
I would repair the transfer case, the Borg Warner 4405 is not a rocket technology
and need no special tools to rebuild it (accept a inside bearing puller for one bearing).
You maybe need, if you know what's wrong with yours