CKRobin
New member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2010
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Location
- Conway, AR
- Vehicle Year
- 1991
- Vehicle
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 4.0
I have a 91 4x4 4dr explorer with the 4.0 and a 5 speed. I have no clue what Ford was thinking when they located the shifer, but I am getting sick of busting my nuckles on coke cans every time I shift into 2 and 4th (I have even broken a few glasses from the house with the shifter.) The doors dont line up well and the back drivers side door is just down right a pain to get to close ALL the way. Paint would be fine with some buffing and the suspension and brakes are well maintained. It has some exhaust leaks and the lifters are loud and I have replaced pushrods. That helped some but there is still at least one bad lifer in there. It also leaks/burnes a quart a week.
Then last night the A/C compressor locked up, and I mean locked up I can't even turn the a/c or defroster off and just go on without it.
So heres my predicament. I know the thing has potential as a real fun toy down the raod but I need reliable transportation now. I can't stand the heat and will not own a vehicle without a/c come this summer and even if I can get a shorter belt for now I don't trust this motor to last till tomorrow.
I would have at least $1300 in a rebuilt motor from what I have found however I dont want to spend that much money and still have a manual trans. I have heard rumors that swapping to an auto is not a simple task on these, is this true? If I can find a cheap trans this is what I want to do most I think.
What about a 5.0 and auto trans swap? The articles here about the swaps either don't mention if they had to fab mounts or are talking about an explorer 15 years newer than mine. Can anyone answer if this will just bolt in with the right motor mount? Do I run into issues here from me having a manual now? The wiring there doesnt scare me, I am however going for dependability so I dont want to have to fabricate mounts if I go this route. I have found several affordable 5.0L so far (in fact I found one freshly rebuilt with a good cam cheaper than I can get the parts to rebuild my 4.0) I like this option better than the first option but I just don't see it costing less than $3,000 all said and done right.
Any way I dice it up it looks like I am spending at least $2,000. That brings me to the last option. Is it time to just get rid of this and get $4,000 something? Problem with replacing is I have to have enough room for a wheelchair for my son. I am single so I would rather not be seen driving a minivan That means I have to have either a 4 door truck or SUV. $4,000 should get a little nicer vehicle but not going to be a whole lot more reliable than what i have if I fix what I know needs fixed.
I have a borrowed backup vehicle so I don't have to have it done this weekend or anything but I would like it completed by the time it starts warming up again.
Then last night the A/C compressor locked up, and I mean locked up I can't even turn the a/c or defroster off and just go on without it.
So heres my predicament. I know the thing has potential as a real fun toy down the raod but I need reliable transportation now. I can't stand the heat and will not own a vehicle without a/c come this summer and even if I can get a shorter belt for now I don't trust this motor to last till tomorrow.
I would have at least $1300 in a rebuilt motor from what I have found however I dont want to spend that much money and still have a manual trans. I have heard rumors that swapping to an auto is not a simple task on these, is this true? If I can find a cheap trans this is what I want to do most I think.
What about a 5.0 and auto trans swap? The articles here about the swaps either don't mention if they had to fab mounts or are talking about an explorer 15 years newer than mine. Can anyone answer if this will just bolt in with the right motor mount? Do I run into issues here from me having a manual now? The wiring there doesnt scare me, I am however going for dependability so I dont want to have to fabricate mounts if I go this route. I have found several affordable 5.0L so far (in fact I found one freshly rebuilt with a good cam cheaper than I can get the parts to rebuild my 4.0) I like this option better than the first option but I just don't see it costing less than $3,000 all said and done right.
Any way I dice it up it looks like I am spending at least $2,000. That brings me to the last option. Is it time to just get rid of this and get $4,000 something? Problem with replacing is I have to have enough room for a wheelchair for my son. I am single so I would rather not be seen driving a minivan That means I have to have either a 4 door truck or SUV. $4,000 should get a little nicer vehicle but not going to be a whole lot more reliable than what i have if I fix what I know needs fixed.
I have a borrowed backup vehicle so I don't have to have it done this weekend or anything but I would like it completed by the time it starts warming up again.
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