efi should I? long winded

[capt. bronco]

I've got a chance to buy a 97 explorer complete and running for $1000 it has 163,000 miles. I believe it to be 2 wheel drive. What I was wondering if I want to use this trans. what does it cost to convert this to an all wheel drive trans. to use for my swap? This truck is about 2 hours away so I have not seen it yet. The woman who responded on the computer said she thought it was 2 wheel drive. But she was positive it had a v8 in it. I was going to use the motor,trans.,and rear brakes off of it and scrap the rest. She did say the trans leaked and I think she has had it for sale for some time now. I am just starting to get my efi swap stuff together and was wondering if this sounded like a good deal? appreciate all opinoins. thanks, Randy

 

[Broncobowsher]

At 163k and leaking I would have it rebuilt. While being rebuilt there are 2 main options if it is not already an AWD version. 1 is to get the AWD output shaft and tailhousing, then you would need either an NP205 transfer case, Atlas, Stak or a ZF adaptor to keep the D20. The other option is install the Advanced Adaptors late AOD to D20 adaptor. Need about $10 in parts at the Ford dealer to convert the AOD output shaft into a 4R70W shaft (this is what I run). Check out the 4R70W swap in the tech section. Great transmission, highly recomend it.

The Advanced Adaptors adaptor retails for somewhere around $700 but can be found in the $500 with some shopping.

The AWD output shaft and tailhousing could be a free exchange at your trans rebuilder if they have spare parts and are in a good mood. I don't know the new cost of those parts. But you would still need an adaptor or different transfer case to make it work.

Don't even bother with the AWD Explorer transfer case, has no low range and is computer controlled with more sensors then you would think of to make it work.

Engine is good too. Intake is the best mass produced intake for a 5.0 that can be had without the high dollar tag line "cobra" attached to it. But the EFI isn't that great. I spare the rehash and recomend searching searching about Explorer electronics and the OBD-II issues. Also the '97 has 2 different engines. GT40 heads and the GT40-P heads. The "P" are more common and can cause exhaust issues, nothing that hasn't been covered on this board several times (search is your friend).

Brakes, I'll let someone else step on this. Doable, but not a bolt on. Someone else with the correct details an fill this in (or search will come up with answers)

 

[capt. bronco]

Thanks for your input broncobowsher. Yes I have done the search option and somewhat know what is ahead of me. I was just wondering more along the lines of of everybody thought this was a somewhat good deal being as how this is a 2 wheel drive trans. I am planning on running the AA adapt. to the dana 20. I planned on atleast getting into the motor and cleaning everything up and at the very least putting new bearings(mains and pistons).

 

[Broncobowsher]

I would consider it a good deal, especially if you could take it for a drive to get it home.

Now I don't know what local markets are like. Some places it is probably a great deal and others will tell you about driving home the same vehicle for $500. Around here, If I needed those parts and that was the price I would persue it. Maybe offer a little less and see if they take it. But in drivable condition, I like it.

 

[fordtrucks4ever]

I pick up complete engine/transmissions with all accessories and wiring harnasses under the $250 range. Also include any fuel pump components. You will have to change to earlier wiring harnass and ECM since thats OBDII. Motor is a good donor, and if rear is disk, you can convert them over also. But you have a whole bunch leftover that may have to be thrown away. There is a market for used body parts, and may be able to pedal them to recoop some investment. Not a bad price if you need a good running vehicle. If routine maintaince has been done over the last ten years, milage isnt that much of a problem. If it doest burn oil, has even compression and doesnt rattle upon initial startup on a cold day, might be alright for a few years.

 

[Dave]

I picked up a very clean 98 Eddie Bauer 2WD with 68,000 for $1500. The thing runs very nice, no oil leaks, and the underside and engine compartment looks like a new car. I would pass on the high milage for $1000. It's a lot of work to do a conversion and worth putting a good low milage engine in it. If the the body is in good shape you could probably recupe the $1000 parting it out from my research. The one I bought had been hit in the passenger side. It was in such nice shape otherwise that I decided to fix it and drive it for a while. This is what I learned from working on my Bronco. With labor cost these days, you can pick one up that has been totalled by the insurance company pretty cheap. The 2WD tail housing and output shaft will have to be swapped out. This requires a complete tear down of the tranny. You can usually pick up the parts for a couple of hundred bucks but It will run you another $400 or so in labor to have a tranny shop do the work provided all of the parts are in good shape.

 

[trailpsycho]

For the entire engine, tranny and rear discs, its an OK price, but not great or really even good. YOu will not only need to rebuild the tranny and swap the shaft for the 4WD version, but you will also need to rebuild the motor...at least tear down, inspect adn refresh/rering it...while for all the "core" parts (accesssories, brackets, intakes,injectors, rails, etc) are probably worth close to the $1500. If you cant resell the body, interior or other parts, its not so much worth the trouble. I would think, if you look around that you can find a lower mileage motor and 4wd tranny for less than $1500 and use the $avings to pick up a fresh disc kit...even if you use the sotck Explorer brakes, you will need to have machining doen to rotors, redrill the bolt pattern in rotors and backing plate, buy new cailpers, rotors, etc. Unless running parts with over 160K miles sounds appealing, but thats why we are all going through these 30-40 year old trucks anyway, right.

If you can get her tocome down on the price, have the space for the Explorer disassembly (to harvest the parts) and a means to store and get rid of/make some money on the Explorer carcass, then it may be worth it. Also, the seats can sometimes be adapted to work nicely...just depends upon conditon. Good luck.