Engine Upgrade and Running Gear Questions??

[Canadian Rob]

Ive got the 4.0 L V6 stock engine in my 91 explorer XLT and it has over 300k on it.. Ive been starting to look into new engine options, that wont involve a mew transmission or rear end, etc, right off the bat.. My friend has sparked my interest into looking at the chevy 4.3L vortex, that comes stock in some blazers, as well as astro vans, and has told me with a bell housing adjustment, it will work with my (i believe) mazda five speed tranny.. Ive also heard that the '92 or '93 expl comes stock with a 5.0L V8, but then you also need to swap rads, trannies, etc, which would basically mean for me to buy a beat up 92-93 just to steal those part.. Due to current 'economic difficulties' i dont wanna go the route of trying to find that truck.. I would love to have some input on a good engine upgrade, or anything at this point, to either pro-long my current engines life, or better it..

Also.. I wanna upgrade my diffs/suspsension, and does anyone know if u can bolt on f-150/f-250, diffs, etc..? I would like to make all those components stronger..

I would appreciate any or all input..

-Rob

 

[ExplorerDMB]

The 8.8" rear that is in your Explorer is really strong for what engine output you have. 8.8"s are even used in Mustangs with over 500 hoarsepower. My advice would be to stay with the 8.8" and maybe just change axle shafts. Do you want to change gear ratios for more performance?

-Drew