What's the difference? Need help?

[dman1178]

I just bought a 2003 explorer w/ 4.0 and the engine was seized up...i plan on swapping out the engine for another 4.0 but after doing some shopping on the internet I see that some are for VIN E and some are for VIN K. Mine is a VIN K but what is the difference? From what I found out some are for 2WD and some are for 4WD. The junkyard here has one out of a 03 w/69K and it's already been pulled from the vehicle so how can I tell if it's from a VIN K or E? Just want to make sure I know what I'm buying before I fork over the cash! Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[2000StreetRod]

VIN Decode

VIN E = 4.0 SOHC V6 Gas
VIN K = 4.0 SOHC V6 FFV (Gas/E85)

Most of the 4WD engines have a balance shaft and most of the 2WD engines have no balance shaft

The last 8 digits of the VIN are stamped on the rear of the block on the driver side. That allows you to confirm the year of manufacture.

 

[ncranchero]

Most of the 4WD engines have a balance shaft and most of the 2WD engines have no balance shaft

That's something I was unfamiliar with. Not to hijack the thread but can you offer more info on that? You used "most" in both instances. What years/models/2/4/wd drive?

 

[2000StreetRod]

"Most" almost all

That's something I was unfamiliar with. Not to hijack the thread but can you offer more info on that? You used "most" in both instances. What years/models/2/4/wd drive?

For stock 2nd generation Explorers virtually all 4WD had the balance shaft and virtually all 2WD did not. Over the years many of the stock engines have been replaced - some with and some without balance shafts. I'm not very familiar with the 3rd generation so I stated "most". For the Mustang SOHCs I know some have a balance shaft and some don't even though none are 4WD.

 

[ncranchero]

Odd Ford would do that. My driver is a '02 Sport Trac 4x4 but I have a spare parts car, a 01 Sport Trac 4x2. That's why I was wondering.

 

[dman1178]

Thanks for the info 2000StreetRod

 

[dman1178]

One other question? How do I determine if the engine is flex fuel or gas if the engine has been pulled from the vehicle and the vehicle VIN isn't known?