explorer 5.0 with 4r70

[papy]

for all that have done the swap needing some info here before i make the decision to go with the 4r70. Other than the AA kit required to adapt the dana20 to the 4r70 what else is required for installing them into our broncos? Can we use/modify the dana20 cross member or do we need to buy/build a custom one? Also read something about the front/rear drive shafts needing some work to make fit.
JP

 

[badandy73]

You can use the stock cross member, but some fab work is required to make it work. Tom's and other vendors sell a cross member that bolts right in. Shifter if you're not running a column; Winters, Lokar, etc. Could use your stock t-case shifter or use it as an excuse to upgrade to a twin stick setup.

Yes to a rebuilt (shortened) rear driveshaft, unless you've got plenty of spline length to be compressed and not bottom out. Front driveline will most likely need to be lengthened.

Stand-alone trans controller, unless you're running the explorer computer. I've had great luck with the Quick 4.

New starter & flexplate as well.

Search '4R70W' on Tom's website and it'll give you a good idea on total $ for parts.

 

[papy]

thanks! the plan is to use the explorer engine, trans and computer to simplify and keep the costs down.
any info floating around on the crossmember mods?

 

[904Bronco]

Front drive shaft needs to be changed to a 2" tube for clearance.
1" body lift makes things easier
Tom's crossmember makes it easier, but I have done the mods to the factory one
4x shifter will need to be moved back 1.5" when using the 2 w-drive AA adapter. If you use the 4x4 version of the 4R70W with their specific AA adapter, then it is 3" back.
I prefer to use Tom's 66 style shifter, but I am giving the JB twin stick a try on Clifford, smoother operation I think.
I have done the Explorer wiring harness mods myself, very time consuming even with Garry's video. You don't want to make a mistake...
Check with Garry (aka EFI guy) if he is able to tune the ECU for your rig in Canada. We are hoping that the smog rules will change here. The EPA has been cracking down.
The Explorer front dress is great addition for the Bronco. there are ways to use the factory radiator.
Space between the Rad support and grille can be tight... Making it difficult to install a large Trans cooler.
Going hydro boost with the factory Explorer PS pump does have some limitations on running a large tire. 33" is about it.
Suggest using the Aero 23 gallon tank that will accept a factory Explorer fuel pump assembly.
Have your injectors cleaned before re-install.
It would be great if you can find a complete rig to harvest. There are multiple threads on what needs harnessed... Inertia switch, OBOII port, engine harness, Trans harness, ECU (get a spare and have it tuned as well), starter, flexplate and spacer can all be reused. I reuse the Explorer trans cooling lines.
JBA headers are great , but a vert tight fit on the passenger side. I have done the factory exhaust manifolds from the later years, while they look like they might be restrictive, the fit is good.
I think 96 > early 97 is the best year. GT40 heads... But the other years will work.
Migs makes a great Coil bracket, better clearance than modifying the factory one.

Let me know if you have other questions... Doug.

 

[bigmuddy]

Couple of comments.

You can rebuild your injectors yourself, parts are available and online help is there.
I have had good luck with running the stock PS pump with 35"s but I understand they are hit and miss.

 

[papy]

thank you to all who replied so far and thank you Doug for the detailed list! I should ad that i do have a complete running/driving 96 explorer for the swap. i am more so trying to weigh out the pros/cons of a bronco C4 and 4r70 both cost and performance.

the c4 (been under my deck for years) that i have is missing the bellhousing, shifter linkages, fly wheel, torque converter and i have no info as to whether or not it needs a rebuild (most likely does) or not. also my drive shafts most likely need rebuilding so getting new ones are planned

the 4r70 is running strong. just weighing out the cost of finding all the parts and rebuilding the c4 over buying the adaptors and buying/modifying everything else required to complete the 4r70 drop in. I'm thinking the 4r70 is making more sense at this time both cost and performance

this will be my second explorer 5.0 build/swap but my first explorer 5.0/4r70 combo. my first build was 96 5.0/ax15

JP

 

[gnpenning]

Since you have a explorer you should be able to use the front drive line if it's in good condition.

If you don't need the explorer rear discs that and the whole rear end is something jeep people buy.

 

[papy]

The front drive shaft from the explorer?

 

[badandy73]

thank you to all who replied so far and thank you Doug for the detailed list! I should ad that i do have a complete running/driving 96 explorer for the swap. i am more so trying to weigh out the pros/cons of a bronco C4 and 4r70 both cost and performance.

the c4 (been under my deck for years) that i have is missing the bellhousing, shifter linkages, fly wheel, torque converter and i have no info as to whether or not it needs a rebuild (most likely does) or not. also my drive shafts most likely need rebuilding so getting new ones are planned

the 4r70 is running strong. just weighing out the cost of finding all the parts and rebuilding the c4 over buying the adaptors and buying/modifying everything else required to complete the 4r70 drop in. I'm thinking the 4r70 is making more sense at this time both cost and performance

this will be my second explorer 5.0 build/swap but my first explorer 5.0/4r70 combo. my first build was 96 5.0/ax15

JP

Hands down 4R over the C4; overdrive is a game changer, handles more power even in stock form, way smoother shifting, tunability, lockable torque convertor, etc. May seem like a lot of parts to come together, but it's mostly plug and play. Take it from a guy who drove a C4 for decades, it's well worth it.

 

[gnpenning]

The front drive shaft from the explorer?

Yes.