Engine Interchange Compatibility - Help!!!

[tokaygecko]

I have a 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD with the 4.0L V6 and from what I've been told by the local Ford dealer and a mechanic I know that it's got rod knock and needs a new motor. I was told a while back that I would get a 4.0L engine out of any 2002-2010 Explorer (2WD or 4WD) as long as I swapped all the accessories from my existing motor.

I've been looking around everywhere and it seems the going price for a running Explorer specific motor with ~100K miles is $1000-1200 shipped. I found plenty of 05+ Mustang 4.0L V6 motors with much lower mileage for between $800-1000 shipped. Is it possible to use a Mustang V6 longblock and just swap all the accessories from the Explorer motor? Looking to get this engine ordered within the next 2-3 weeks so I need to figure out what motors I'm able to use. Also, there seems to be an abundance of 95-00 Explorer motors available for cheap- I'm guessing those will not work, correct?

 

[RickM]

Did you check http://www.Car-part.com? There are many '02 6 cyl engines with less than 100k (some much less) and less than $1k. Plus the vendors typically negotiate.
Ask for documentation (including a carfax) to back-up mileage claims (as best as possible).

 

[Blee1099]

The engines are similar however they are not alike.. The cams profile along with the intake are different among other things.

 

[vipersinu2]

I put a 2010 ranger 4.0 with 2000 miles on it in my explorer. I paid 1000 plus 200 shipping. just make sure you when you buy spark plugs get the year of the engine and not the year of the truck!

I have read in the forms that a mustang 4.0 worked perfectly.