Engine Replacement Help

[dbantner]

Not new to the forums, have been scouting this forum for years and have found many answers. So once again I come to you in need of help.
I have 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0L V6. The engine just died on me, threw a rod, according to the mechanic.

With that said, $3800 for a used engine with 80k on it,seems a bit much to me.
My question is this, are there any other year engines I can put into this 2004 that will work with out much modifications? I am trying to not find the cheapest route on replacing the thing, and there would be no sense for me t buy a cheaper engine, if the labor to modify it to fit is gonna cost me as much as it would be to do a rebuild or get a used one....

Any suggestions are welcome... thanks!

 

[SeanEXP]

I hope that is a dealer price and not a independent mechanic shop. but it is too high anyway. and if you are paying close to 4k than i believe it should be a lot of less miles on the engine than 80k. I would shop around before paying that much. I would recommend to check junkyard as they sometimes have great running parts for a lot less in price. Just make sure they give you some kind of warranty<<some of them do and some don't>>>

sorry to hear about the problem

 

[dorin18]

Two years ago I bought a 2004 4L 77K miles engine from ebay for $500 from Benwood auto parts. They had listed it for $650 but accepted my offer.
S&H was $150 but I choosed to drive up there and pick it up myself. I replace my old '98 engine that had timing chain issues.

 

[RickM]

Do as much homework as possible and try to get some type of guarantee if possible. I faced the same questions with my '02 4.6. However, after research I couldn't be happier with the results. BTW, when I sourced a replacement I asked for and received a carfax for the donor vehicle.

I also found the tech to do the work through Craigslist. I posted an ad in the work/gigs section. Turned out a seasoned mechanic was between work and the transplant was well within his capabilites.

Here's a post on my experience: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2442872&postcount=2