Well i have a few questions, i know they have probly been answered a few times, but of you have a momemt to chime in here and there, i would appreciate it, im gearing my self up to hopefully start a V8 Swap in my 95 ranger 4x4 starting in the fall.

My reason is truck needs new manifold and cats, exhaust studs are near non existent, and the etest is due at the end of august....

I got to thinking, maybe time for a newer truck..... nah... dont want the payment, so i opted to V8 swap,

I have a Few questions, mainly to clear a few of my fears, or at least start researching them and attack them when the time comes, and to keep an eye open for the correct parts... so here we go, i will thank everyone in advance for the help.


First things first the motor will obviously be a 5.0/302, EFI is my prefered route, should be easiest to pass an e-test. Now. from my research ive read stangs from the 89- till ? came with E7 heads. early 96 explorers came with GT-40 heads anf 97-99 or maybe later came with gt-40P Heads, i know the GT Heads are better, but i can remember wich is best. and also wich fits the ranger better, along with available heads. I believe the P is harder to find Headers for?


This leads me to the next question, my truck is currently Auto, i found the right trans for 200$ rebuilt f-150 4x4 5 speed, with under 5000km/3000miles on it, so i like it due to the fact is in nearly new.

My truck is a 4x4 and advance adapters makes an adapter for the trans i found,

Explorers seems to be the most common donors, wich i have been trying to look for, and decided weather to try and find one with 40 or 40p heads. As i plan on putting headers possibly, just worried about wich ones are better here.

Clutch im assuming can be robbed from and a ranger or f-150 to work the clutch when switching to manual, however, if i do would i be better finding a donor with a manual trans, due to the ECM? My biggest worry is the wiring, it just scares me i suppose, wiring hasnt been my strongest point, this is where i need the most guidance, the easier i make it for my self, the better.

My other questions, are id like to keep the AC, and if i could the factory Cruise Control, i can live with out it, but is it posible to keep this as well?

Now onto cooling, most opt for E-fans, for clearance issues, wich is fine by me, however for rads, what are my options for being able to convert my 3.0 4x4 rad to be suitable for the up and coming 5.0, and still be able to fit it in, i plan on adding a 2'' body lift to aid with the bell housing clearance as well. if that makes a difference.

Next is fuel. The in tank fuel pump as to my knowledge will not feed a v8 properly, is there an explo or stang pump i can fit into my stock tank, or do i have to go to an external pump? replacing the stock one would be ideal.


Final question(for now) is ive been on the hunt for a 8.8 rear. explorers are easy to come by, and offer disc brakes, wich would probly be a good upgrade, with having larger tires to stop as well as when towing, im sure the disc will aid in some what better stopping ability,

Can i just add a portioning valve to the rear if i went this route or do i have to change the entire master cylinder.


sorry for all the questions just looking for some help


Thanks

 

IMHO… first in MA 96 up will require an Vehicle Inspection using the Plug-in Computer so chk on that.
Then if it was me I would go with a 93 Stang setup or at least the Engine/Computer Wiring Harness, they are separate harnesses from the vehicle harness and can be removed easily.
The 93 Engine is a good one also but I am not sure of the “P” heads things but maybe a newer Explorer is a better choice.
there is one thing about the Explorer Engines, the front Component Mounting Bracket are closer fit than the 93 Stang so that is a good thing too; maybe a mix between the two.

On my ’88 Ranger 5.0L Swap I used the L&L Products Swap Kit, very high quality but from looking at their site very high in price right now so not too good of an idea. James Duff has a kit, Advanced Adapters has a kit so check out what is out there and go for it.

 

Im from canada, ontario, and thanks for the tips, i know my truck is a 95, 88 and up must be emissions tested every 2 years,

By going from a V6 to a V8 in the ranger chassis. Im able to get more leniant e test requirements, im told.

They do this, being the fact that my secific vehicle was never offered with a V8 block, so they calssify it as a hot rod, wich will hopefully be the case letting me have more fogiving results on the e-test... i sure wouldnt mind making something with upper 200 to 300 or so hp

 

That sounds OK to me.
I found the engine fit great except for the length, this is where the Explorer V-8 parts will help on the front.
Also the Custom Radiator fit under the front panel in the opening for the stock radiator not a problem worked well but on the Hy-Way the engine went up almost 20 degrees, didn’t boil over but got a lot hotter under the hood and inside the cab too.
I raised the rear of the hood about an inch to test out a theory about blocked heat and the temps dropped to almost normal on the hy-way.
Around town the temp was always around the 190 mark which is normal for the 93 Stang 5.0L.

The swap went great, everything bolted in and slide in place.
The LL Header fit like a glove except for a minor frame adjustment on the passenger’s side, easy fix.
The fuel pump needed an extra wire change but too long ago to remember which or what was done, sorry.

The 5.0L make the Ranger what Ford should have made the ranger, a even better truck.
Too bad it wasn’t a standard option, especially when the Explorer went to a 5.0L, should have been the Ranger but they needed the gas mileage stats to keep the EPA happy.

Good Luck on your swap…
ltr

 

thanks for the tip