srider
New Member
- Joined
- August 21, 2001
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Shawnee, KS
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '94 XLT
I currently have a 94 XLT 4x4 that I’ve owned for the last 6 years. I never take my Explorer off-road; it is used mostly for bad weather and occasional towing. I really enjoy my Explorer, but I’m starting to think about swapping in a V8. I would really like the extra power when towing or even trying to pass on the highway. Now I have some cost concerns and questions.
1. My Explorer seems to have the front-end vibration worse than any I know of. I’ve replaced the RA bushings, wheel bearings, ball joints, sway bar bushings and had the wheels balanced. It’s not bad, but I have to be diligent about maintaining the front end or it can get unbearable. If I swapped in a V8, do you think it would:
a) Get rid of or lessen the front-end vibrations.
b) Increase the front-end vibrations.
c) Have no effect on the front-end vibrations.
2. Because of the cost and time involved in maintaining the front end, and the cost and time of converting to a V8, I was thinking of buying a 96 or 97 with a V8.
a) How does the ride of a 96-97 compare to a 94, specifically is there the front-end vibration?
b) How is the reliability of the AWD system? Any major expenses in repairing or maintaining?
c) Is there a better year than 96 or 97?
3. How about other options for increasing power?
a) Is it possible to rebuild the 4.0L V6 and increase its power substantially to around 250 horsepower?
b) Would swapping a 4.0L SOHC motor, transmission, computer, etc from a 1996-2001 be a better idea than a V8?
c) Has anyone installed the BBK supercharger and do you enjoy it or is it still not enough?
1. My Explorer seems to have the front-end vibration worse than any I know of. I’ve replaced the RA bushings, wheel bearings, ball joints, sway bar bushings and had the wheels balanced. It’s not bad, but I have to be diligent about maintaining the front end or it can get unbearable. If I swapped in a V8, do you think it would:
a) Get rid of or lessen the front-end vibrations.
b) Increase the front-end vibrations.
c) Have no effect on the front-end vibrations.
2. Because of the cost and time involved in maintaining the front end, and the cost and time of converting to a V8, I was thinking of buying a 96 or 97 with a V8.
a) How does the ride of a 96-97 compare to a 94, specifically is there the front-end vibration?
b) How is the reliability of the AWD system? Any major expenses in repairing or maintaining?
c) Is there a better year than 96 or 97?
3. How about other options for increasing power?
a) Is it possible to rebuild the 4.0L V6 and increase its power substantially to around 250 horsepower?
b) Would swapping a 4.0L SOHC motor, transmission, computer, etc from a 1996-2001 be a better idea than a V8?
c) Has anyone installed the BBK supercharger and do you enjoy it or is it still not enough?