Hello all, just bought a 2000 Fird Explorer w/ the 5.0 AWD, Didnt even know they put a 5.0 in explo,

[Dreamweaper1972]

Hello all, just git a 5.0 Explorer

 

[410Fortune]

Nice
Yup they did they put the pushrod SBF into the exploders
One of the best things to ever happen to us explorer nutjobs

In 1996 the Mustang got the new triton 4.6 OHC engine
For whatever reason Ford decided to shoehorn the remaining GT40 302's into the explorer chassis
My guess is to compete with the Dodge durango and Jeep grand cherokee's
Who cares!
When they did this they used the COBRA GT40 302 and a 4 speed auto from the 1/2 ton trucks!!! The 302 was made smaller by updating the serpentine system and creating some real block hugging exhaust manifolds.
So as a result the 96-01 Explorer and Mountaineer got the Cobra GT40 302 with 135 amp alternator, a metal power steering pump, a 1/2 ton 4 speed automatic trans and a full time AWD transfer case....packaging this drivetrain to fit the Gen II explorer chassis also allowed us to fit them into the other ranger based vehicles more easily.
Now YOU are in the know
One of the best if not THE best drivetrains Ford ever built.......

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You will enjoy this drivetrain. It's powerful, lasts a long time, and is made very well.

 

[Mike65]

Welcome. That 5.0 should run forever.