Engine upgrade

[JRH]

I AM CONSIDERING BUYING A '94 EXPLORER XLT FROM A FRIEND. IT HAS VERY HIGH MILES ON IT AND IT IS A 2WD 6 CYL. BUT SHE ORIGINALLY BOUGHT IT NEW AND IS ONLY ASKING $4,500 FOR IT. IT IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE EXCEPT FOR THE MILES(150,000). THE MAIN REASON I AM LOOKING FOR AN SUV IS TO HAUL A 24 FT. 2-1/2 TON BOAT. IS IT POSSIBLE ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL TO UPGRADE THE ENGINE TO A V-8 4WD AT ALL, AND IF SO, WOULD IT BE ADVISABLE TO DO SO. THANKS FOR ANY HELP. -JRH

 

[j]

No. The rig is too light, short wheelbase, and not near enough power. If it is an auto the tranny can handle it, but not well, especially at that mileage. For a 2.5 ton boat you need to pull with a much bigger rig...e.g. 460, 454, V-10, etc. with a stout auto tranny and oil cooler.

The basic rule of thumb is get the trailer and load FIRST, then get a vehicle to match or even overkill in towing ability.