Swap transmissions or buy another one?

[EastoutWest]

Hi. I have a similar thread in the modified section, but on second thought, my trucks are 99% stock.

You can access it here:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313261

But here's the deal:

I have two 1991 explorers, one is red, one is blue. The red one's body is falling apart but is my daily driver, the blue is a better Ex, but has a shot transmission. They are both manual. I have to move in a month and can only take one vehicle.

I have started to remove the transmission from the blue one but stopped due to other pressing matters and the fact that I don't have a transmission jack and you can't rent one from the parts stores.

Should I:
1. Try to find a helper and proceed with swapping the red's tranny into the blue truck?

2. sell the red one, find a used m5od (does it have to be from a 4x4?), and pay someone to install it in the blue one?

3. Sell them both and find something else? (I don't think I could get more than $1000-$1300 for both)

The blue one does have an engine in excellent shape, manual transfer case, and manual hubs. I don't know the condition of the transfer case but I'm 99% sure the transmission is shot because the fluid smelled burnt and had metal shavings in it. The transfer case fluid seemed fine.

What do ya'll think?

 

[EastoutWest]

I've looked at some transmission threads and think I may continue tring the first option, swap transmissions. Anyone know of a good m5od 4x4 removal thread with pics?

 

[Roadrunner777]

Daily driver, but you do have some other form of transport during the 'operation'? I'd get them both to a mechanic, and get him to do the swap and let him keep the worse of the 2 trucks.

Or paint them the same color, maybe they won't figure it out at the new place?

 

[wow97]

hello everybody
my dad test drive my 1997 ford explorer xl 4-door with 4.0 e.f.i v-6 with 5-speed automatic with 4x4auto 4x4high 4x4low my dad your transmission is about to die on you
i have only have 155,555 i had 10years it is finally time to give her or retired her she was retired cop suv a.k.a ssv on put two bullet in her like old horse i had alot of fun with her in 10years my and my girlfriend had alot of fun in her