I see a lot of swaps to Jeep 4.0's but has anyone done a Ford 5.0 and an Explorer trans/Tcase? I know my heavy 94 Mustang GT convertible 5.0 gets an average of 19-21 mpg's and that isnt always keeping my foot out of it.
SBF is a small, powerful, buildable, durable little engine. The AOD/AODE transmissions weren't horrible. the engine harness for EFI is pretty much standalone. the Explorer exhaust should all but hook up to the eagle exhaust if I remember right.
So has anyone attempted or completed an EFI SBF w/ ford trans/tcase swap?
None that I know of. I had the engine, transmission and transfer case from an Explorer sitting in my garage a few years ago, that was supposed to go in my first Eagle with solid axle swap, but it never happened. I don't see why you want want to hook up the stock Eagle's exhaust since it would be too small, not to mention that would be the easiest part of the swap. You would most likely need to find a rear sump pan and oil pump pick up. I'm not sure of the height of the bottom of the front of the pan to the top of the intake. The oil pump sits a little low and the front of the oil pan isn't as narrow as I think it may need to be. Mounts would have to be fabricated and a way to mount the front axle since it bolts to the engine. I'd like to see someone do it.
There are tons of Exploders around here for parts with the 5.0 in them. Most are because the auto trans dropped out, so YMMV. I've been looking for a 4.10 rear axle from one for my Comanche (then I'll have the XJ 3.73 axles currently in it for sale)
My plans right now are all the little piddly stuff followed with SAS then 5.0HO with explorer trans, tcase. The mustang pan should give enough clearance. SAS will avoid the axle mounting issue. The 4.2 exhaust will flow enough for a bone stock 5.0. Not saying a little bigger wouldn't be a lot better but would work. I would have dual exhaust made for it but budget build wise it is doable. Most of the explorers in a junk yard are either wrecked or have 300k miles on them and something finally gave in.