new to explorers

[umin18]

I need advice cus i just got a 94 explorer limited, just installed radiator,shocks and panasonic cd receiver, I have 140k miles on it, I was wondering if it would be a waste of money to spend lots of cash on quality parts for an explorer witht his many miles on it. I don't know much about cars but i am planning to spend all my paycheck on my car to make it off road worthy so i can have fun with it at my construction sites cus they are huge and the landscape is constantly changing and I have all the access I want to them! please help me out, my car is sweet I love it, I am gonna install new brake pads cus the ones that came with it are squeeling like a pig in heat. I only average in like 1 to 2grand per month from work, I think i wanna spend most of it on my car, anyone know if I should get a car with better mileage or should I be able to spend a lot of money on this car and not have it die on me in like a year. my engine is weak too, I wanna tweak it but I wouldn;'t know this slightest thing on engines. I also have to do a lot of body work . and my 4x4 is messed up or something, think I should bother fixing it up? i still love the interior on it atleast hehe

 

[umin18]

oh yeah I was also wondering if there is a way I could order a new engine or something maybe? I wanna something with a lot of torque/hp but i can;'t find anything for my explorer, would i have to get another engine off another explorer or is there anywhere I can find custom ones or is mine just fine? 140k miles if noone read my first post.... don;t make sense but ppl are crazy

 

[RiverRat]

Welcome. Exploders are great. I'd stick with motorcraft parts. For more power (big power ) your best bet is a V8 engine swap. If you have good compression then your engine should be good. The 4.0L engine is a mule. It can run well past 140K miles.

Buy quality parts... cheaper to do it right the first time.

 

[Dre]

if you're looking for more power.... Mustang V8 is the best choice for an engine swap.... but I would wait untill your current engine gives in... I used to own a 94 Limited... loved it... Limited is a good choice since it has all the bells and whistles. For starters... if you're going to mod it for off road use get rid of all the plastic airdams and running boards... 140K miles is not that much... plenty of life left as long as it was taken care of... first off begin with changing all the fluids, oil in the engine, tranny, transfer box and diffs... it's important to begin with a fresh start...


and - WELCOME TO THE EXPLORER BOARD!!!

 

[AspenX]

These engins last forever. I have 235k on my X and the motor is like new. If you have an automatic I'd start a savings account for one of them I just put in my third one last week. It does great off road on 31x10 1/5 tires and no lift, but bigger is better. Find out what gear ratio you have.

 

[espnfreak]

Yeah, a V8 conversion will be a little harder for the 1st gen than it is for the 95-01 explorers, but nonetheless it can be done. If you are looking for parts, I may suggest finding a 96-97 Rolled Explorer and buy the whole thing and take all the parts off that you will need (sell the rest to recoup some funds). I am currently in the process of a V8 swap right now for my 96, and with the truck and everything I have sunk in $2000 ish. It's going to be worth it (i hope), lol. One of the nicer things is having that strong 4R70W behind the V8. You won't have many transmission issues with that beast behind there. Other factors you may want to consider, is if you really want the power (that bad) maybe try to sell the 94 limited and pick up a cheap 1996. I know they can be had for like 5-7k if you do your research and look around. Most mods for the 4.0L won't deliver near as much results as those for the 5.0L will.

Jason

 

[umin18]

thanks for all the input guys I like the sound of a 78 mustang engine in my truck, but I am gonna take whatever I can find first, a v8 mustang or 5.0 off an explorer, I only paid like 1200 for my car, 500 for my stereo and like 70 bucks for some cheap heavy duty shocks. but is engine all that importrant vs other things I could fix up? I can't think of what I want to fx up first, I'm thinking of doing some easier mods before i do engine cus I am just learning to fix cars, but I have a friend who is fixing up his 89 mustang, has 300hp, not sure of torue, if anyone he could help me install the egine.

 

[88vert]

Yeah you are probally better off just fixing up your truck,you have a great truck to start with keep us posted on your progress

 

[Blaine122300]

Gear ratio should be 3.73's with a Limited slip in the rear. Don't worry about the engine. It will go forever. Just change the oil. Put a new air intake on it. (KKM).
put a new exhaust on it too. once she can breathe easier, she will give you more power. My stock drivetrain did well with 3.73's. Now I have 4.56's and she feels unstoppable.
If you want a big lift though, go with a solid axle swap right away, and don't waste your money with a bolt on suspension lift. It will cost the same and you will be happier in the end with a solid axle up front.