Getting the speedometer to work after swapping a 99~01 Explorer V8 into a 2001~2003 Ranger is a little tricky. One way is to transplant some key components of the Explorer's ABS system (a major hassle, IMO). Another is install a second GEM from a 2001 2.5L Ranger just to control the speedometer like I did (a minor hassle but could get expensive). Both of these methods require a dealer tool to adjust the tire revs/mile to correct the speedometer after conversion. That adds to the expense.

I recently heard from a guy who fixed his V8 swapped Sport Trac's speedo using an aftermarket module that looks easy to intall and has onboard calibration for tire diameter. His Sport Trac is identical to a 2001~2003 Ranger with respect to the VSS circuitry.

The module reads a sensor (in this case, ABS) and then outputs a square wave of adjustable frequency to be used by the Explorer PCM and the Ranger's speedometer and speed control. This is not really anything new but it appears to be very easy to calibrate and has been proven to work in the 2001~2003 application.

So, I'm passing this along for anyone contemplating a V8 swap into a 2001~2003. It looks like it MIGHT also work for 2004~2006 but AFAIK this has not been tested. 2007~2009 Ranger PCMs appear to communicate VSS to the cluster over the CAN network so it's doubtful that something like this could be easily used.

SpeedChanger II

 

So this would be a work around for someone without ABS and running an explorer 302? Or did I miss something?

 

No. The 2001~2003 Ranger VSS goes through the PCM for conversion. The 99~01 Explorer does the VSS conversion in the 4WABS Module.

When the Ex PCM is swapped into a 2001~2003 Ranger to control the 302/4R70W, there is no longer a module in the truck to make the VSS conversion. So, you can either swap in the 4WABS module, G force sensor, proportioning valve and wiring from the Explorer or add some standalone module to make the conversion. I used a GEM from a 2001 2.5 Ranger to do it but the speed converter in this thread is another alternative that looks like it could be simpler/cheaper.

 

If you can get a trans or tcase with a speedo cable port do you think this could work?

Speedometer 8K Pulse Generator

Im trying to plan a 98 5.0 swap in my 99, then later upgrade to d44 front d60 rear and a np205. I think this combo will put me into the same screwed speedo boat as the 01-03 5.0 swap guys. Maybe worse.

 

That might work or you could look into the Signal Generator used on 95~97 Ranger/Explorer. It is gear driven from a Ford cable port (like a cable speedo) and outputs a square wave that can directly operate a 95~2003 Ranger speedometer.

 

thanks for the link to this Bob. Looks very interesting, I may have to try this out. I wonder how easy it is to hook the cruise into this as well, looks like it shows some wires can go to it.


Also is shows 2 ways of hooking it up. one that will just control a speedo and used mainly in man. trans applications. And the other says its for effecting computer related functions like shift points, max speed etc. but says not to use this if ABS is controlled by the computer.

So which would be best? did anyone who used it give a wiring diagram or say the way they hooked it up. I have an odd situation where mt tranny is getn a signal somehow and my speedo is not. So I could splice this in for just the speedo/odo and maybe cruise and it should work for me I guess.

 

Is this what you have in mind Bob?

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...parttype,10634

Airtex part # 5S4713




It does look like it will fit up.

Is it missing the gear? Hrm...

 

Thats pretty cool, im glad i didnt have to buy this thing lol

 

I believe that's it. You would need to choose the correct gear among 5 or 6 depending on the combination of axle ratio and tire diameter. AFAIK, this setup will not fit a Ex 4R70W after 1997 because the speedo hole was probably deleted. I do know that my 99 4R70W does not have it.

 

No problem for the speed control. The gray/black in the Ranger takes care of the speedo, speed control and PCM. That wire would carry the output pulse from the SpeedChanger II.

For an input frequency to the SCII module, it should be possible to use any sensor that reads driveshaft or wheel frequency. I would try the 2 wires from the rear axle ABS sensor to the 4WABS Module.

Then there's just keyed power and ground for the module.

Use the diagram for the speedometer. The PCM also reads that wire and it will take care of shift points, etc.

 

No need on 1998~2000 Rangers because the VSS to the speedo is independent of the PCM just like the 5.0 Explorer.

 

thanks Bob, yeah thats what I figured. I'll maybe get this before the dunes in may and see how it works. my speed is low priority right now but would be nice to have back again.

 

my 95 Ranger is just running but managed the trip to Calif with no speedo. I have a T-56 which feeds the pcm and it in turn feeds the speedo. However, no joy. I was thinking of a Mustang speedo but maybe I can run the Ranger speedo directly off the tranny sender. Ideas? Thanks

 

If you have something like an Output Shaft Speed sensor on the T-56, then you could use the SpeedChanger II that I linked in the first post. If you don't have that, then you can use the SCII with the Rear axle ABS sensor just like later Rangers.

 

Thanks, That sounds like it might just do the trick.

 

Well in stock form the rear abs sensor is VSS on my 99. After the sas im hoping to use the hole in my np205, after I get it bolted to the 4r70w.

 

Yes, a 98~00 should be fine as long as you retain the stock rear axle and whatever is converting/adjusting the VSS (RABS GEM or 4WABS Module). If you go ahead with the swap to the D60, you will probably have to find a plan B for the speedo.

 

I was hoping the tire/gear combo would stay close enough to the stock ratio so it would not effect the speedo.

I still have a long time before this SAS plan will be a reality. I still need to get my donor tore down and out of the garage.

 

I have a 2001 Ranger edge that I did a V8 swap and I'm going to try Dakota Digital Universal Speedometer Interface through summit racing, has anyone done this?