5.0 Explorer swap idea

Bronco1970man · Sep 20, 2017

I'm wanting to do 5.0 swap in the future and I was thinking if I could find a low mileage Ford Explorer in good shape I could daily drive it make sure the motor and transmission are and stay in good condition, and then when I'm ready do the swap. I like the idea of having the motor, transmission, harness, and all the accessories ready to roll.

Anyone do this before? Thoughts? Best Explorer for the motor and transmission combo for the swap?

Bronco1970man · Sep 20, 2017

By the way, V8 Explorers aren't too expensive, considering the motor and transmission you get.

roundhouse · Sep 20, 2017

It's usually cheaper anyway to buy the whole car

A lot of thunderbird / Cougars had the 5.0 too
And they are dirt cheap

Bronco1970man · Sep 20, 2017

The automatic overdrive from the explorer will work in the bronco won't it?

DirtDonk · Sep 20, 2017

Yes. But it's easier and less expensive to adapt if it's from a 4wd or AWD Explorer.

Paul

DirtDonk · Sep 20, 2017

And get an early '97 if you don't want the "GT40P" heads. I prefer them myself (so '98-'01) but they're harder to adapt exhaust headers to. Stock Exploder manifolds work, but are more restrictive. Bronco Hut has headers for the P heads, but it's something you have to be aware of.

Paul

ame · Sep 20, 2017

I just pulled the 5.0, trans and transfer out of my Explorer last week. Bought it for $500 and used it as a spare vehicle for a year first, granted it had a lot of issues.

Personally if I am going to go through the work of a swap I will rebuild the engine and trans first to know its good,they are relatively inexpensive to rebuild if no hard parts are needed.

EFI Guy · Sep 20, 2017

Bronco1970man said:
Anyone do this before? Thoughts? Best Explorer for the motor and transmission combo for the swap?

Once or twice =). See the link in my sig-line.

There are slight pro's and cons to every year, but not really enough that I'd hold out for one year over others. I'd jump on the first lowest mileage one I could find.

The 96 heads are nice because they work with about any header out there, but there are headers for the later ones. 98 and later had the better transmission, but it's possible to update an early one. The 99-01 returnless can add to cost a smidge if you need to buy a regulator.

So the best would be a 96 motor, with a 98 or later AWD trans, with a 97 computer and a 98 harness. You're probably not going to find one stock though.

Bronco1970man · Sep 20, 2017

Thanks everyone! Based on everything you've said and what I've read I think I'll look for a 97 to 2001 5.0 4x4 explorer to start with.

Timmy390 · Sep 20, 2017

If you were closer to Arkansas
https://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/d/1997-ford-explorer-eddie-bauer/6290290495.html

Tim

Bronco1970man · Sep 20, 2017

That would work! I vet I can find something to foot the bill here in Phoenix.

Bronco John · Sep 20, 2017

Theres a 96 explorer with 5.0 near me for $600 has transmission issues but i was gonna stay with manual trans anyway. Stuff like that always pops up when funds are low.

5.0 Explorer swap idea

Bronco1970man

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roundhouse

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DirtDonk

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ame

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