I have a 99 2wd with a manual trans. I want a 5.0 and keep it manual drive. That possible?

Also there is a 2000 Explorer Limited with a 5.0 for sale like 2 hrs away for $1600. That should work right?

 

https://www.therangerstation.com/for...s-post-1578744
read through that forum it tells you what I said plus more. Guess another transmission option is a t5 from a mustang, would shift smoother than a truck transmission. Just depends on what you are building it for.
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+1 ^^^

Yes, the 2000 Explorer with V8 would work, but it will have an automatic transmission so its computer will need to have that software deleted, or CEL will be on all the time, it would still start and drive, just an annoyance

As said the 1996-2003 M5OD-R2 from an F-150 4.2l V6 2WD would bolt to the 5.0l OHV Explorer engine, and shifter would be in the same place as your current M5OD-R1
You do need to drill out the R2 bolt holes 1/16" because 5.0l OHV used SAE(inch) bolts and R2 from those years used Metric size bolts, not a big deal
Your Ranger clutch master will work with R2 slave

You won't have a speedometer issue since 1999 Ranger use rear axle ABS sensor with GEM module, but will need to splice that speed signal wire to the Explorers speed IN wire, pin 58, since Explore used 4-wheel ABS module for that signal, but just sets a P0500 code, doesn't effect starting or driving

You WILL NEED working PATS key from Explorer, 2000 Explorer used Type B PATS, as did 1999 Ranger, so you should just need to swap PATS Modules(above glove box) when you swap computers, but.............Explorer PATS key won't fit your Ranger lock, you might be able to swap lock cylinders, not sure
Or take out your cylinder and have it re-pinned to match explorers key by locksmith

 

Yes swapping over the pats module and your key cylinder in the column would be needed, super easy to do I did mine in like 10-15 minutes. as for the lock cylinder in the door you can swap the explorer ones in, I have done my drivers door but haven't gotten to my passenger yet but all of it is plug and play in that aspect.