Part interchangeability

[JakePSD]

Quick question. I did some searching but could find anything clear cut. What, if not all, drive line parts are interchangeable between 02-05 explorers and mountaineers? And between 4x4 and AWD. Bought an 02 mountaineer awd and when I got it home I noticed the front driveshaft, front diff, and axle shafts were missing. Needless to say I am pissed. I found an 02 explorer with a blown motor for $500 I'm thinking about doing some part swapping on, then scrapping one of the shells. I'm not 100% sure if the ex is 4 or awd, I asked but some people get it confused if they aren't knowledgeable on vehicles.

 

[Number4]

You need to get another Mounty with AWD. Just from reading other threads.

 

[JakePSD]

The way its looking we are going to keep the ex. In which case the engine, trans, and center diff/tcase whatever you wanna call it from the mounty will be going into the ex. Is there any compatibility issues there? I couldn't find much searching and I don't have hours to search. They are pretty much the same exact truck, I can't see where pretty much anything wouldn't just bolt right up. I've been wrong before though and I've seen auto makers do some extremely stupid and un cost effective things.

 

[JakePSD]

What other threads did you see that made you come to that conclusion?

 

[Number4]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343242

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=336150

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225515

I don't think the Ex's came with the viscous coupler setup, but I could be wrong.

 

[JakePSD]

I just skimmed though those threads and I gathered from it that parts will interchange no problem. The one thread a guy converted from 4 to AWD. I dunno.

 

[JakePSD]

Well I'm going to pick up the explorer tomorrow. I guess I'll be the guinea pig for everyone. I'll keep everyone updated as I work on it.

 

[Number4]

Report back with what all is the the same. The Mounty should have the viscous coupler setup where a 4wd Ex wouldn't. Perhaps all the other components are the same.

Or are you just going to swap front ends?

 

[roush9799]

I would almost think that from the t-case forward would be interchangeable. Possibly the front driveshaft may be of different length from a awd to a 4x4, but I'm sure Ford used the same front differentials and front half shafts and hubs. Also, you will want to make sure the front differential gearing is the same as the rear, otherwise you will have to swap in both on the other vehicle.

 

[JakePSD]

This explorer I'm picking up is awd. I confirmed it with the guy. Even the radio surround has no buttons. So apparently it was an option. Must just be a rare one. I won't be going to get it until next weekend now. The guy I'm getting it from's dad is in the hospital. I'd think it'd all be the same. We will find out.

 

[JakePSD]

Ended up getting it tonight. Turns out its 2wd (facepalm). However because of this I got it for $250. Exterior is really clean for an 02 and the interior is super clean. Seat doesn't even have the normal tear in it. I think I got a good deal. Doesn't help me much for front end components, however I have I nice slate to work with when I source the parts. Plus after driving 2 hours one way and for $250 I wasn't coming home with an empty trailer.

So now I've got to figure out why it won't start, tries to, just won't quite kick over. And the trans don't like to engage 3rd gear. Which is probably a solenoid or valve body issue.

 

[JakePSD]

I'm actually kind of considering keeping both now. The explorer is really clean inside and out, just has I'm assuming a really blown head gasket and the trans issue. The mountaineer had a good running engine. Found out too when I was cleaning it out that the heated seats work, and found out the steering wheel controls also work once I found the radio in the back seat, along with an entire extra cloth interior with 3rd row, a headlight assembly, among a few other things. I've got a lot of options to consider at this point. The only thing that has me iffy about the mounty is that it is a v6. If it was a v8 I'd be keeping it for sure.

I still have to find the front drive components though. If anyone on here is parting one out or wants to sell theirs I'm interested. If its cheap enough and all the front drive stuff is there I don't care what the rest is like. Although a totaled one with a 4.6 would be awesome for a swap...

 

[p38fln]

You're going to wind up with a fleet of explorers soon

 

[JakePSD]

Haha I know. I've already bought 2 in the last week and now I'm looking for another for parts, on top of the one I already have.

 

[Number4]

See my sig. We are more of a support group here. For those who hate Explorers but own multiples of them.

 

[eeprete]

See my sig. We are more of a support group here. For those who hate Explorers but own multiples of them.

funny you say that, I keep cursing mine, yet I keep searching for another.....

 

[JakePSD]

I actually like them. Better than a GM or Chrysler product.