Engine swap for '93 XLT? | Ford Explorer Forums

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Engine swap for '93 XLT?

Quadzilla-EFI

Member
Joined
December 25, 2006
Messages
23
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City, State
Bremerton, WA
Year, Model & Trim Level
1993 Explorer XLT
My Explorer is getting tired, the M5OD needs a full rebuild, the 4.0 is on it's last leg. So I'm facing a choice, repower with a 5.0/AODE, or swap in a 4.0SOHC with what ever trans is stock, prefer to switch over to an auto due to the wifes inability to drive a stick. What's the easiest/best choice?
 



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You can get a late model 4.0L OHV and auto trans and swap it in. Ford used the 4.0L OHV in the ranger, B4000 and explorer until 2000. The heads were updated heavily in 1995. The 5r55e automatic can be built up to be a nice strong smooth auto trans. You can use the engine with the later model OBD2 computer and wiring, basically converting your old tired V6 to the updated model with a stronger more efficient 5 speed auto

You can convert to a 5.0L V8 and get a 1/2 ton transmission. Putting the 302 into the Gen I (1993) requires a few parts and tricks, like tucking or hacking the radiator core support, relocating the oil filter, and sorting out what transfer case to use if you are 4x4

I know a few people here who have converted to the sohc engine into the gen I trucks, but in my opinion it does not fit as well as the 302 and it is/can be just as much work and cost, you are still left with the V6 auto trans at the end of the day

There is one conversion I do not see very often anymore, but its a dang reliable setup. You can refresh your current 93 4.0L engine (or replace the block with a later model one) and then run a C4/C5 automatic.. they are tough as nails, but only 3 speeds

Also there is a aftermarket adapter to run the Chevy 700r4 automatic behind your OHV 4.0L, I am not sure how viable that option is, it has been years since I looked into it

The V6 option is cheaper and easier then the V8 option but the v8 option is pretty awesome when you are done
Do you have a budget in mind?
What do you plan to use the truck for?
If you are 4x4, what transfer case do you want to end up with?




Welcome! Don't be afraid to use the search bar, there are quite a few Gen I trucks that get built up around here
 






Thanks for the reply. You raised some great points. I haven't really thought about a budget for the project. Yes it is a 4x4, I'm liking the GM tranny behind a rebuilt 95+ 4.0 idea. Any recommendations on GM xcases? As for the tranny, I'll be leaning toward the 4L60E. I've got a spare since my wifes truck blew it's tranny and I've got the experience rebuilding those. I far prefer the electronically controlled versions of the GM transmissions. This project is taking a backseat to other more important projects in progress at the moment. I'm rebuilding my F350 10.25 rear diff for carrying the camper over the winter. Just getting some ideas to see what's my better option.

Dennis
 






4l60e is the 700r4 all grown up isn't it? I am not that familiar with the GM's but I think that's how it went?
Ill see if I can dig up the old 700r4 conversion details right here on EF.com and we can see what is required...
 






I need to do some more research on the later 4.0 OHV swap. Is there quite a bit of wiring work that needs to be done to run it in a 1st gen?
 






I love my 700R4, but don't think the adaptor is available anymore from Advanced Adaptors. I love it because it works great in the dirt, but its not a plug and play transmission by any means. Its robust and has a very low first gear, but is not as smooth as a electronically controlled transmission. On the highway, it can be picky about how and when it shifts. It decides when to shift by pressure from throttle input, with the only electronics being a torque converter lockout.
 






Yes, the 4L60E is mechanically identicle to the 700R4 for the most part. It would be best described as the grown up version of the 700R4. That being said, I'm an electronics geek so all I need is to make what ever I pick work mechanically, I can take care of the electronics side.
 






"I need to do some more research on the later 4.0 OHV swap. Is there quite a bit of wiring work that needs to be done to run it in a 1st gen?"

In order to use the engine you would just strip it down to the long block (engine and heads) install it in the truck and then use your current, sensors, wiring, intakes, accessories, etc. Basically you are just upgrading the block and heads this way. No wiring.
 






But then you don’t gain the tuning abilities of the OBD2 computer or the 5 speed auto. I don’t know if it’s worth the effort or not. But it might be nice to be able to turn off the “un-wanted” items.

I’m definitely keeping my eyes peeled for a later model 4.0.
 






You can do an OBD2 conversion yes
I have done it several times
You will need to find a later model OHV with a 5 speed, do not get an auto...buy the entire truck as you will need some of the wiring, plumbing and additional parts
To upgrade a 93 Explorer you should stick with 97 and older to make things easier, however the later 98-00 can also work you may just need to convert to returnless fuel, wire up the PATS and install the rear axle so you get the proper VSS signal to the 98-00 PCM

I am a BIG fan of the OBDII upgrade
 






Why not the auto? My A4LD seems to be holding up fine in my '94. My bride had a '99 for a couple hundred thousand miles and that auto took all of my abuse. We got rid of it because the PATS and other BS electrical was leaving us stranded. So, '97 and older for the engine upgrade.
 






I only said no auto because your truck is a 5 speed
To convert to auto is possible if that is what you want to do.
To put the 5r55e computer controlled in there you will need the OBD2 conversion so it works out well
There will be wiring, plumbing and lots of research involved which keeps most people from doing conversions like this, but I'm not scared :)
 






My sploder is an auto.
 






OH well your first post says the M5OD needs rebuilt
The M5OD is a mazda 5 speed manual
Your Explorer has a A4LD automatic, that is what threw me off :)
 






The original poster has the M50D.
I just hijacked his thread
 






well see how I can get confused!!
using the OBD2 computer and a 5r55e would be a HUGE upgrade over the original A4LD

Fyi my 1988 Bronco II was converted to a 1993 4.0L OHV before I finally went to a 5.0 and OBDII in 2005
So I have a OBD2 1988
 






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