New here, with my non running explorer.

[jwv3]

Hi. I've been reading the forums for a while since I 'acquired' my explorer. Lots of good info and tech here.

I have a '92 XLT 4x4, 5 speed. Unfortunately the engine is shot. It was overheated and then parked for a couple years outside.

I just picked up a running engine complete from a '94 w/ 130k miles to swap into it. I'll be taking some pics along the way and will probably have many questions as I go.

Here it is with it's custom moss coat paint job.

 

[ExploringNC]

Looks like a nice X, no rust or dents. How is the interior?

 

[Guido0136]

Sure looks good. Hope it will run as good as it looks.

 

[little x]

A 4-door 5-speed. Alright! Don't see too many other trucks on here with that combo.

 

[Glen4X4]

A 4-door 5-speed. Alright! Don't see too many other trucks on here with that combo.

They're rare, I searched alot when looking to buy another one.

And besides the moss it does look like a nice truck. Good luck with your motor swap.

 

[jwv3]

Unfortunately, it does have some rust. The rockers under the rear doors are rusted with the driver side being the worst. If I get it running and reliable, I might cut it out and put some patch panels in.

Interior is in pretty good shape. Cloth buckets have no rips or holes. The shifter has a lot of slop. Probably needs a new bushing in the shifter top. I'll worry about that later.

 

[jwv3]

I'm making a list of things to change before the engine goes in.

spark pugs/wires,
water pump,
thermostat,
belt tensioner,
valve cover gaskets,
(maybe the intake manifold gaskets also)

Should I think about the timing chain on a 130k mile engine?

Any other items that would be good to change while the engine is out?

 

[Bill O'Rights]

Should I think about the timing chain on a 130k mile engine?

130K on a timing chain is not all that bad at all. If it were a timing belt, then absolutely change it. Thing is...IF the timing chain were to fail, a little while down the road, you're going to have to remove the engine again to replace it. If it were me, I'd go ahead and do it while the engine is already out. Just a little peace of mind.

Oh...and I'd definately go ahead and replace those intake manifold gaskets.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

keep up the good work with the xplorer

 

[Willard]

I'm thinking I would leave the timing chain, since many of us have gotten 300k+ out of an OHV without replacing it. But if you want to do it as preventative maintenance, go for it.

I'll second the intake gaskets as well, mine just went at about 211,000. Although it may be more of an age than mileage thing with those, I've noticed a lot of people replacing them lately.

The only other thing I'd think about is the rear main seal. Mine has been leaking some for quite awhile now, it's just not worth it for me to pull the tranny just for that right now.

Good Luck!

 

[jwv3]

Update:

It's running! The engine swap went smooth.

The engine got a new set of OEM Ford intake and valve cover gaskests. New injector O-rings. New spark plugs and wires. New (nice used) valve covers due to rust. New valve seals. One new rocker arm/push rod. New water pump, thermostat, heater core and all new hoses. I also put in a new dual core radiator for better cooling.

Turns out, the tranny had no 5th gear also. I found several threads on this site about the tranny so I tore it down and replaced the gear and rear bearings. Also put some new bushings in the top cover to firm up the shifter. (Thanks to T&B transmission for great prices on the parts) Filled the trans and transfer case with synthetic ATF fluid.

While I had the engine and tranny out, I put in a new slave cylinder. Had the flywheel machined and installed a new clutch kit.

I still have a couple things to finish up before getting it inspected and on the road. Have to check out the condition of the brakes. I broke a front lower shock mount bolt putting on new shocks so I have to fix that. I also need to rebuild the double cardan part of the front drive shaft.

So far so good!