I'm not sure about the XLS trim level , but there are 2 different 4.0 L - V6 engines used in the Ford Explorer until 2000 If you look at the 8th " character " of your VIN " X " - is the 4.0 liter EFI ( over head valve design ) and " E " - is the 4.0 liter - SOHC ( single over head cam design )
I'm not a mechanic / technician but I believe the answer is ( no ) From what I have read there are ( 3 ) different engine blocks for the Ford 4.0 OHV engine ( 1991 to 1994 Ford Explorer ) ( 1995 and 1996 Ford Explorer ) ( 1997 to 2000 Ford Explorer )
I'm not a mechanic / technician but as far as I know , the answer would be NO The Ford 4.0 liter OHV engine in the Ford Explorer used ( 3 ) different engine blocks ( 1991 to 1994 ) ( 1995 and 1996 ) ( 1997 to 2000 )
I'm not a mechanic / technician , but if you mean the 4.0 liter EFI , V6 engine , I would say ( no ) From what I have read there are ( 3 ) different engine blocks for the Ford 4.0 liter EFI , V6 engine ( which is an Over Head Valve / pushrod design engine ) ( 1991 to 1994 Ford Explorer ) ( 1995 and 1996 Ford Explorer ) ( 1997 to 2000 Ford Explorer )
According to what I've read ( no ) The 1991 to 1994 Ford Explorer uses the same engine block The 1995 and 1996 Ford Explorer uses a different engine block The 1997 to 2000 Ford Explorer uses a different engine block again When it comes to the 4.0 liter OHV engine P.S. I'm not a mechanic / technician
The main difference will be different Heads, different upper and lower intake manifolds. The explorer has 40 more lbs. of TQ, but the same HP rating. They are not bolt for bolt the same motor.
The 2003 Ford Explorer has a V6 engine.
The 2010 Ford Explorer has a V6 engine.
The 2004 Ford Explorer has a V6 engine.
The 2002 Ford Explorer has a V6 engine.
The 2014 Ford Explorer has a V6 engine.
The 2008 Ford Explorer has a V6 engine.
The 2001 Ford Explorer has a V6 engine.