Noticed this:
"or if you dream of a Ranger with a V8 engine, this is the sub-forum for you."

Well maybe it isn't for me because I'm planning on 2 :)

I just bought a dark green 2000 SCSB with a blown motor specifically for a 5.0 swap. I owned rangers in the past and even bought an 87 when I lived in SC to do a swap with, ended up sliding it into a tree messing up the perfect body. Lost interest.

That was like 2002!

This is going to be a 2WD project just to see if I love it as much as I think I might then I want to jump right into a 4WD with the experience gained on the beater.

Currently driving a 2002 Dodge 1500 4WD which I plan on keeping because it is sharp and great at pulling Ranger carcases home.

I have been researching on and off since about 2000 on this V8 swapping but I have many questions. Thanks in advance for putting up with me.

 

You're going to love it!!!

 

One of my biggest questions is the "PATS" thing.

I have read a few places that since my 2000 had a 4 cyl it doesn't have a PATS.

The 98 thru 01 donor explorer will surely have a PATS.

Articles I read say "use the steering column from the explorer" or "tape the key to the transponder and hide it under the dash somewhere".

?

There must be a way to write the PATS out of the code on the ECM, or is there an aftermarket ECM you can get that conveniently doesn't include PATS? I don't mind swapping steering columns but what if the explorer has a red interior or something that does not match the ranger?

There HAS to be a better way.

 

There are a couple ways around PATS.

1st, the '96 and '97 Explorer's did not have it so a doner from those years eliminates the need.

2nd, yes, a custom tune for the ECU can disable PATS -- adds a fair amount of cost. Least expensive I've heard about is a mail order solution -- send out your ECU and it comes back PATS free. About $200

Great option if you're going to tune out the automatic transmission or for a custom cam, forced induction etc. True custom tunes are quite a bit more expensive than a simple PATS delete.

3rd, live with the Expo PATS. Explorer PATS involves three pieces: The ECU, PATS module above the glove box and the PATS transceiver around the ignition key switch.

Easy solution is to wire in both the module and transceiver mounted where ever convenient, zip tie the Expo key inside the transceiver and you're good to go.

As for steering column color, should not be an issue. The column is clad in trim and you can either swap over the trim or dye/paint it to match.

If you swap over the Expo steering column, grab up and swap out the door locks as well so a single key will still work all the locks.

 

OK that makes things easier, thanks.

Until 3 days ago I was under the impression that a 2000 ranger had PATS always and did not know that the 4 cyl models didn't have a PATS.

So in light of my original beliefs I glued myself to the thought that I needed a 98 thru 01 expo and could teach the ECU to accept the ranger transceiver.

If I use a 96/97 donor I won't get P heads but since I'm trying for a daily driver and not a 1/4 mile hero it won't matter.

I'm going to read the rest of the evening and gather other concerns LOL.

 

I have decided to go with the younger explorer, 98-2001 and dealing with PATS.

Wow hard to find one without 250,000 miles and the ones with less usually have a blown transmission.

So my next question is... since I'm doing a 2WD could (or should) I even use the transmission out of an AWD explorer? If I can't or shouldn't use it then a donor comes much sooner.

What exact trans should I use if the explorer is inappropriate? (2WD 2000 ranger originally with 2.5) AND will I be able to use the existing crossmember?

 

FIRST DONOR CANDIDATE FAIL

Guy says he has a 2001 X with an 8. Was all ready to bolt the trailer up again and drive 80 miles to get it.

Sends me pics of the engine compartment.

It's a 4.6

Alldata says there wasn't a 4.6 in an explorer till 2002, this is titled as a 2001 for sure, but has a 4.6.
Anyone else run in to this?

 

OK I am closing in on a 97 mountaineer with 156000 miles, claims it runs great just frame rusted through.

Has a D4 code rear end and virtually new tires... will those tires and wheels fit the 2000 ranger 2WD without a lift? Kinda want it to look relatively stock.

ALSO since that 4R70W is connected to a transfer case, what do I need to get for the tail shaft? I read till I'm blue and found no definitive answer, seems everyone is doing 4WD.

Will the ranger driveshaft fit or should I use the explorer driveshaft or am I facing having one shortened? I have a great driveshaft place close to me.

Again I found tons of 4WD info but sketchy 2WD info, is the trans mount going to line up with the existing crossmember on my 2WD ranger or will I have to fab something?

 

Easy answer on the 4R70W is to try and trade your transmission and AWD t' case for a li k e year RWD version.

The transmission can be converted with a RWD tail cone and output shaft. The bite is the transmission has to be gutted to a hollow case. The output shaft is nearly the last part out/first part back in.

On my 3.0/auto to 5.0 swap, the original rear cross member worked well but I had to widen the transmission mount slots just a bit.

With my LWB Ranger, my local driveshaft guy forced me into a custom 2 piece shaft. On a SWB Ranger, I suspect an OEM Expo RWD shaft will work.

 

OK if you can assure me there are enough of these 2wd explorers around with a 5.0 that I will eventually run in to one I will pass this one up (or buy it anyway for the 4wd future project). I am in no real hurry except for the massive excitement factor. I don't want to cause myself extreme excessive work.

 

Can't do that. I don't know the real production numbers but casual observation suggests there were more V8 AWD's than RWD.

Don't see it as a killer, many full sized Fords used the SBF 302 and 4R70W that finding a RWD 4R7OW is not hard at all, nor that expensive.

The thing to watch is that Ford made some changes in late '97 or '98 that make the two versions electrically very different and not readily interchangeable.

 

Well I officially sealed the deal on the mountaineer. He says the frame isn't that bad just very rusty and he was driving it up until he parked it when he got his new car. Says it should make the trip down no problem so I'm going to drive it down. It's like a 5 1/2 hour trip one way but I think it is worth it. Dang a 5.0 running fine with 150000 miles and new tires, paid 500 bucks.

Will the wheels and tires work on the ranger or are they too large?
Ranger stock tires: 225 70 15
Asking current owner size of mountaineer tires crap thought I had it on hand. Guess that info would help.

 

235 75 15 on the MT will they fit without lift? Will the rims bold right up? I plan on using the MT rear end eventually but driving it with the 7.5 till I start stressing it out.

ALSO do I need to swap out the front springs? Sorry so many questions I'm just excited.

 

235 75 15's are a tad big for an unlifted Ranger but they do fit.

The Expo/Mounty wheels are a direct swap.

Springs: There are three different sets of coil springs for the Ranger, all three have the same compression rate. Its just the free length thats different.

So, only the ride height really changes. I'd say wait till the 5.0 is in and worry about the springs if the nose is too low.

The kicker is if there's a spacer block under the left engine mount, you'll have to pull that side's spring to remove the block.

 

All resolvable :)

Now the tailshaft. I see several different tailshafts on E-bay when you search that year and model trans.

I have rebuilt 727's, 904's, TH350's back in the day but nothing recent and nothing ford. Is it safe to say there is enough youtube info these days for me to tear into this thing and put the right output shaft in it?

I did find a compatible 2wd transmission (I think, I will have to look at the harness when I pull mine) for $350 but again not local. I would really like to look at the replacement first.

If I buy another trans for 2wd is my 4wd trans marketable? I know speculation just noodling out loud.

 

Yay Mr. Monty is in my possession now. In feb of 97 they put regular GT40 heads on 5.0's at least in the factory mine was from.

It feels like it has a slight miss in one cylinder, not a full miss but one is pulling harder than the other 7. Just about like the dodge 4.7 I drive daily LOL. Talk me out of it guys, I'm about ready to tear it apart when I get it out. and it seems to run really well otherwise.

Entire dash looks very similar to the ranger. Monty has power everything including passenger seat, Not much of a looker but I bet I can get 90% of the parts I need for the ranger from it.

The day I pull both motors I'll start the build thread.