I bought a 1995 XLT Extended cab 2WD that's in (almost) mint condition yesterday for $500. The only problem is the 3.0 has a crack in the block. My wife fell in love with the truck so, as you know, I had no choice but to get it. Now, I want to put a 4.2 V6 back in it. I have done some searching but, I can't seem to find what size tranny bolts to a 4.2 V6. I have a 1997 Ranger 4.0 4x4 that has the 5R55E. Will this style fit the 4.2 V6 as well?

 

4.2l may be too wide to put in a Ranger, 302(5.0L) V8 is only 19" wide and 21" tall, it fits but a tight squeeze between steering rod and heater box.

So check dimensions first.

4.2l V6 uses late(1965 and up) windsor small block trans bolt pattern, so any trans from a Ford small block V8 will fit or a 4.2l V6.


M5OD-R2 Manual from 1997 or up 4.2l 2WD F-150 and its computer, would be best, in '97 shifter is farther back and matches Ranger shift hole in floor.
Earlier V8s with M5OD-R2 had shifter farther forward, it will work, you just need to cut out floor and make a custom shift arm, bent to fit so shifter doesn't hit the dash.

For an automatic, that will be based on the computer you get because computer runs the transmission, so 1997 and up 4.2l 2WD trans with computer.

You could go older and use a manual trans 4.2l computer with a non-computer controlled automatic from an older 302(5.0l) equipped vehicle, although I would for sure have a full remanufacture just because of age, not a rebuild.

When you change engine size you have to change computer and engine wiring harness and usually the transmission, that then becomes a major project.

In my opinion, I would just replace the 3.0l engine with another Vulcan 3.0l
OR go with a 302(5.0l) swap, all the parts needed are well documented for 1995 Ranger swap
I don't see value in a 4.2l or even a 4.0l swap into a 3.0l Ranger, V8 yes, or simple R&R of 3.0l, yes