Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and PaulZ
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2014
- Messages
- 159
- Vehicle Year
- 1990
- Transmission
- Automatic
Hi, first post. I've read the swap sticky and threads since acquiring my cracked head '90 2.9 A4LD 4x4 a few weeks ago. It still runs and drives nice until it pushes all the water out. I really like the truck, it's perfect for climbing the dirt road to my cabin.
So I was over at Pick and Pull yesterday, there must have been 25 1992-4 Ranger/Explorer 4.0/A4LDs there but non with body damage indicating they ran when stuffed. And the Labor Day half off sale is coming up, which means an engine and trans for about $200.
Got on Craig's list and there are, believe it or not, a half dozen good motor '92-4 Explorers for $500 with bad auto transmissions. Better gamble than the boneyard, at least for a good motor. Another benefit is getting the whole donor vehicle there in front of me while I do the swap.
My A4LD works fine now but may tank behind a 4.0. If I buy an Explorer off CL I get a bad A4LD, which means I pricey rebuild. Or if I find a wrecked unit at Pick and Pull I might get a good motor and trans. Ideally I guess is a wrecked but running unit off Craig's list.
Any advice on finding a good doner appreciated.
Also did I read correctly that if I use a '94 Explorer the wiring harness won't work with my '90 Ranger?
Another option is putting heads on the my 2.9. Apparently all the World 2.9 heads are gone but another thread here says the stock 2.9 heads were improved at some point and not prone to cracking (the ones with the straighter valve covers at the bottom). Viable option? I might want to tow with it at some point, so the 4.0 would be better for that.
If there's anyone on the West Coast that has the parts and experience and needs the dough I wouldn't mind paying to have it done. I'm getting too old for this stuff. I've done many swaps but back when they had carburetors and points and such.
Thanks for reading if you made it this far! Paul
So I was over at Pick and Pull yesterday, there must have been 25 1992-4 Ranger/Explorer 4.0/A4LDs there but non with body damage indicating they ran when stuffed. And the Labor Day half off sale is coming up, which means an engine and trans for about $200.
Got on Craig's list and there are, believe it or not, a half dozen good motor '92-4 Explorers for $500 with bad auto transmissions. Better gamble than the boneyard, at least for a good motor. Another benefit is getting the whole donor vehicle there in front of me while I do the swap.
My A4LD works fine now but may tank behind a 4.0. If I buy an Explorer off CL I get a bad A4LD, which means I pricey rebuild. Or if I find a wrecked unit at Pick and Pull I might get a good motor and trans. Ideally I guess is a wrecked but running unit off Craig's list.
Any advice on finding a good doner appreciated.
Also did I read correctly that if I use a '94 Explorer the wiring harness won't work with my '90 Ranger?
Another option is putting heads on the my 2.9. Apparently all the World 2.9 heads are gone but another thread here says the stock 2.9 heads were improved at some point and not prone to cracking (the ones with the straighter valve covers at the bottom). Viable option? I might want to tow with it at some point, so the 4.0 would be better for that.
If there's anyone on the West Coast that has the parts and experience and needs the dough I wouldn't mind paying to have it done. I'm getting too old for this stuff. I've done many swaps but back when they had carburetors and points and such.
Thanks for reading if you made it this far! Paul
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