Were there two different versions of the 4.0 in 2002 Explorer?

[Ck111484]

So I bought a new engine to be dropped into my 2002 Explorer, a motor also from a 2002 Explorer, and when my mechanic went to pick it up, he said it was the wrong engine and that everything was in different places.

I found this believable because when I Google "2002 Explorer engine" a lot of the pictures look different than mine.

Anyway, he said that he did some research and found out that there was a version that ford only used in some of 2002 and some of 2003, and that's what I have, and to buy one would be like 2 grand (the used motor I was picking up was only 700, and I'm finding plenty of them for around that price). So we're trying to get my original motor running now, but the valves may be bent, etc. and it may end up costing me way more than I expected or can afford.

So I'm wondering, is this true? Were there two different versions of the 4.0 motor in 2002 explorers? If so are they transferable?

Any info is appreciated, thanks.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Don't think so, Ford quit producing the OHV version on 2000 I think? All you have to do is swap the intake, valve covers and sensors and injectors off the old engine with the replacement if its a SOHC. You should be able to use a mustang, explorer, ranger or sport trac 4.0l SOHC with the E or K stamp all the way up to 2010.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Side or front intake?

My 2002 Explorer shop manifold only shows one manifold with a side intake for the V6.

However, I know there is also a front intake manifold used in 2001 thru 2003 - possibly only on the Sports or flex fuel vehicles.

However, the long blocks are the same for both intake manifold versions.

 

[MurderedSport]

However, I know there is also a front intake manifold used in 2001 thru 2003 - possibly only on the Sports or flex fuel vehicles.
View attachment 83616

Yup, that's the manifold my '01 Sport has.
Maybe you accidentally bought an Explorer Sport / Explorer Sport Trac motor. as posted above the first two are normal explorer motors and the bottom pic is a Sport.

 

[Duranged84]

Either way, as long as its a 4.0 sohc, you can use it. Just swap your upper intake, fuel injectors and rail, and sensors that look different, and probably thermostat housing.

 

[Michowski]

If you have bent valves you could of just spent a couple hundred and got new heads fully rebuilt and new gaskets.