- Joined
- Jan 13, 2014
- Messages
- 335
- Reaction score
- 12
- Points
- 18
- Vehicle Year
- 2002
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 5.0
- Transmission
- Automatic
Finally got back on track with getting a '96 Explorer 5.0 into my 02 coil spring Ranger. Got a significant delay when my youngest totaled one of the SAAB's in the driveway (no injuries!!) and I had to source and commission a replacement. I love buying inexpensive projects but I really didn't need to loose the time on this one.
Prep work/test fitting is (mostly) done.
Other than the Torque Monster headers, a bit of port matching and the FRP rear sump pan, engine is box stock. Doner had 140K miles, but both the crank and cam were still on the high side of standard with very little taper in the cylinders. Someone had taken GREAT care of the Explorer, only needed a cleanup, fresh rings/bearings, cam drive and oil pump.
Pretty unhappy with the fit of the Bosch plug wires, going to get some new spark plug terminals, cut and re-terminatel the wires for a better fit and probably add some additional heat protection. These are their "custom" fit for the Explorer 5.0, TERRIBLE fit!!!!!
Had a heck of a time with the FRP oil dip-stick. Had to toally reshape the tube and move the bracket for a workable fit. It'll complicate getting to a couple of of the plugs and wires on the left, but that's better than the abismal fit as it came out of the box.
Using Strada Shop's engine mounting plates, did have to carve on them to get clearance for the headers and add a bit of aesthetics
Went through the rear end, all new bearings, changed the gears out for a set of FRP 3.27's, fresh clutches for the Trac Lok. Rebuilt the rear calipers, new shoes, pads and rotors.
Maybe could have added a few thou to the pinion shim but it's certainly close enough!
Added a drain plug for the trans, new filter, front and rear seals. As with the engine, the internals of the trans were in great shape
The 3.0 gets yanked on the 4th -- going to be a long fun weekend!
Prep work/test fitting is (mostly) done.
Other than the Torque Monster headers, a bit of port matching and the FRP rear sump pan, engine is box stock. Doner had 140K miles, but both the crank and cam were still on the high side of standard with very little taper in the cylinders. Someone had taken GREAT care of the Explorer, only needed a cleanup, fresh rings/bearings, cam drive and oil pump.
Pretty unhappy with the fit of the Bosch plug wires, going to get some new spark plug terminals, cut and re-terminatel the wires for a better fit and probably add some additional heat protection. These are their "custom" fit for the Explorer 5.0, TERRIBLE fit!!!!!
Had a heck of a time with the FRP oil dip-stick. Had to toally reshape the tube and move the bracket for a workable fit. It'll complicate getting to a couple of of the plugs and wires on the left, but that's better than the abismal fit as it came out of the box.
Using Strada Shop's engine mounting plates, did have to carve on them to get clearance for the headers and add a bit of aesthetics
Went through the rear end, all new bearings, changed the gears out for a set of FRP 3.27's, fresh clutches for the Trac Lok. Rebuilt the rear calipers, new shoes, pads and rotors.
Maybe could have added a few thou to the pinion shim but it's certainly close enough!
Added a drain plug for the trans, new filter, front and rear seals. As with the engine, the internals of the trans were in great shape
The 3.0 gets yanked on the 4th -- going to be a long fun weekend!