Hi, I am new. I have a 1992 4 door Explorer with the 5-Speed manual. The car has 188,000 miles on it and runs like a champ. Top notch car. I was wondering a few things though:

1. My motor mounts are shot. Has anyone replaced these w/o an engine hoist or is it mandatory. I was thinking of using 2"x4" and a jack under the ribbed pan to lift the engine up a tad. Safe or unsafe?

2. My oil pump is going or there is sludge blocking the pickup. Any recommendations on how to find out which it is? If it is sludge any products to clean it or is it replace only or have it flushed by a professional? If pump replacement is required, is it possible to replace the pump using a cherry picker while keeping the engine mostly in the car, or is it a flip the block over job?

3. I want a little more power. I was thinking an Eaton M90 from a Thunderbird would work nicely, has anyone done this? If not are there any kits (yes I am lazy)? What kind of gains can be had by home porting and sticking in a hot cam? Turbo setups (thinking HY35)? Anything is welcome. Also, will i break the trans in two?

Thank you!