LS into 02 Explorer

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Jan 28, 2017 | 06:53 PM

sorj

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LS into 02 Explorer

Good evening all,

Has anyone done an LS conversion into a Ford Explorer? The Explorer is an early 02 2wd with 4.0L:

Pros:
Body and interior in excellent condition
Rear end completely rebuild about two years ago
New tires all the way around
New Brakes all the way around
New suspension (except struts)
New a/c evaporator last season

Cons for not doing the 4.0L:

Engine overheated (due to the wonderful thermostat and housing design and is now leaking compression into the coolant after it has been repaired)

a replacement 4.0 that has not already popped a chain is about the same as a running LS. everyone knows you have to pull the engine to do the chains so even the donar would require the new chains being installed prior

ECM appears to need to be replaced due to no connectivity (had checked out)

Tranny is new but already sticking in neutral and just out of warranty

I'm thinking if I'm going to pull the engine and tranny, I might as well do the conversion. Doing the 5.0L to me sounds pointless being I still would have to replace the tranny either way.

Thanks a million.

sorj

Jan 29, 2017 | 06:57 AM

Michael Yount

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Maybe the guys on the Ranger forum can help.... http://www.fordrangerforum.com/8-cyl...p-tech-5.html?

Jan 29, 2017 | 12:55 PM

Project GatTagO

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From: Little Austin

I know there are a couple of ranger swaps here...did you search?

Andrew

Jan 29, 2017 | 01:14 PM

JayinMI

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If you don't already have the LS motor, I'd probably look into just swapping a Ford v8 into it, since they offered them that way. Wouldn't require much fabrication on your end. Even if the motor and trans cost more than a comparable LS based setup, the amount of time you'd save would probably make up for it.

But that's just the practical standpoint, and what fun is that? lol

Jay

Jan 29, 2017 | 01:22 PM

Michael Yount

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Actually, the 02 came with the 4.6L OHC mod motor, so even the 5.0L requires significant harness marrying work. Agree with OP - LS variants the way to go.

Jan 29, 2017 | 01:42 PM

sorj

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Teching In

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Thanks guys. I have the early 02 exploder that the 4.6 will not go into without hitting. Plus, I have had nothing but bad luck with any Ford products unless they were FE, Y, or top-loaders. The tranny I have in it now will not bolt up to a sbf and it just went out of warranty (Ford drop in). Now, it wants to stay in neutral when I leave from stop lights (so I'll have to do a tranny swap anyways). Others and I have found many things on the ranger swap but they seem to stop when it comes to the K member. Besides, I'm an old chevy guy so I would much rather do the LS.

Jan 29, 2017 | 02:36 PM

76larkman

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From: alburnett, iowa

I say go for it. Why go back to Ford junk. Buy a good donor chevy/ Gmc truck 2wd or suv 2wd so you have everything for most part. Generation 3 motor tranny probably easiest. Do stand alone wiring tieing into stock gauges using ford senders u have. Interesting project. Probably have to wait till sitting in there to figure most out