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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
so, I dropped my truck off for new head gaskets and found out I have cracked heads. The mechanic recommended a new longblock since I am doing all this work as the price for that is a little higher than I would want. I am curious to know if new heads and gaskets to seal this (under 200k in miles) explorer is worth i? The truck did run ok before, though he said there is pooling on the back cylinders and there are some leaking freeze plugs. Also, where is the cheapest place to get a crate motor?
Also found a v8 explorer with 240+ highway miles granny driven, for the cost of the new v6 motor. I had wanted to go to v8 within this year, so I am curious to know what I should be worried about with also buying a v8 with that many miles on it just to do the swap?
Also found a v8 explorer with 240+ highway miles granny driven, for the cost of the new v6 motor. I had wanted to go to v8 within this year, so I am curious to know what I should be worried about with also buying a v8 with that many miles on it just to do the swap?
The v8 swap is a whole can of worms, it was discussed many times here. You need a donor 4R70W trans, wiring harness, computer, and the AWD xfer case. (and lots of labor).
The SOHC has timing tensioner problems which cause much grief if they weren't taken care of. Usually the engine has to be pulled to do it correctly. Its not an uncommon issue. If you can overhaul the chains on the SOHC it may be a good swap, may be worth to just get the truck. Also, the SOHC has sensors in different places and may need a newer computer, then you may have issues with the 4 speed trans in the 96. 97+ have a 5 speed setup. I also think the 96 trans is prone to less problems, but that is my opinion.
For a 96 I would say find an OHV motor, or just upgrade to a V8 truck. I don't think anything else is cost effective.
Thing is the lady with the 96 v8 explorer has the truck listed for 2100. Truck is pretty mint, though with 240+ on the clock I am worried about a rebuild. The guy with the 2000 sohc says the motor was rebuilt about 20k and its a complete truck for $600 minus the downpipe. Thoughts?
looks like a new heart with about 87k, will be going into the truck. wish it could have been a v8 but a v6 is where I shall stay till I find me a donor truck.
purchased another 4.0 shortblock with from a 96 ranger with 96k on the odometer. maybe I am lucky, seems it was a re-manufactured motor. Couple of freeze plugs and gaskets all around I should have a good motor.
