Trying to prepare for 4.0 and D35 swap in spring. Need advice.

[jkufen]

I am looking for an old explorer now that I can get the D35 and the 4.0 out of. It will probably be tax season because people around here think their explorer is gold but I am looking now for an engine rebuild kit so that when the time comes I will know what it cost and be ready to get working. I have searched ebay and found an engine rebuild kit for about $450. Anyone know if this is a good price or not? I see them as high as $1000. I guess I technically have a 4.0 engine now in my dads 1992 2wd ranger because he wants to swap me for my 2.9 so I am really waiting on the axles and transmission from the explorer.

This is a image of the rebuild kit. I am a novice to all this so I wouldn't know if what I am looking at is everything I need or not. The only mechanical skill I have is swapping out parts . Thanks for the help and any other advice to make this swap easier is appreciated.

 

[lchappyjr]

Get the whole explorer or the small parts will nickle and dime ya, I used the transmission and transfer case. front and rear end. my advice is find a manual at least the transfer case, there's a few drive line issues, and welding and fabricating for the rear end but all that information is on this site. As far as the rebuild don't buy anything till you have the block gone through at a machine shop, and replace lifters and whatever else while its tore apart or it will be a waste of time and money. Do it once it it will last for ya. good luck

 

[richard booth]

I suggest getting to know the guys at your best local wrecking yard after calling around asking for prices. You can get explorer parts pretty cheap generally. I got a d35 for 140 bucks and the wrecking yard counter guy I have known for several years let me have the calipers, rotors, radius arms, steering links, and then let me go back and get another bearing hub (150 bucks new) because the one was cooked, the bearing got hot and stuck to it. I dont get sappy but I get to know the counter folks and dont quibble about prices too much and in time they will respect you and treat you well from my experience. As far as the engine rebuild I would follow Ichappys advice and wait to see what you get, a compression test can tell you a lot if you can do one before you buy it. Keep at it and you will be stoked w your project, dont let challenging difficulties get you down, you can do it!