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Joined: Tue Dec 5th, 2017
Location: Michigan, USA
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The 4.6L wouldn't come close to fitting in the 2nd gen Explorer engine bay without a costly reworking and recertification. That would not happen at the very end of the production run. Ford had to make a bunch of special parts for the 5.0 to make it fit in the gen2's and it is tiny compared to the 4.6L.
It's possible that you saw a 2002 model year 4.6L that had a 2001 calendar year build date but it would be the new, larger 3rd generation body style that was designed from the ground up to accept the 4.6L.
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2003 FX4 Level II, Supercharged 5.0L V8, Headers, Duals, BW4406 manual T/C
Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's, Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, sway bar discos, Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles
Other rides:
2016 C-MAX Energi (plug-in Hybrid)
2011 Taurus SEL (highway cruiser)
2003 Ranger 2.3L M5ODR1 Regular Cab (drudge)