Hey guys. I have a 1998 4.0 with some ugly rust inside. Truck was in an accident and sat for almost 2 years. Engine didn’t want to turn over by hand so I searched and found someone super close with a 1995 4.0, super clean runs good and is selling it good to me. Some research says I need to switch the flex plate from the 8 bolt pattern to the older 6 bolt pattern, wanted to see if anyone’s successfully done this motor swap before.

 

Yes, you can

Yes, Ford changed crank from 6 bolt to 8 bolt in 1997, so you would need flexplate(or flywheel) that matches crank bolt pattern

If you can get the exhaust manifolds with the 1995 then do it, the 1998 had smaller exhaust ports in the heads, same bolt up to heads and exhaust pipe, but not a deal breaker

And you will, of course, have to swap over intakes, as the 1998 fuel system and wiring won't work with 1995 intakes

Always change the rear Main Seal when you can, cheap part but hard to get at if it leaks


And JEEZ, looks like that old engine was already used as a Boat Anchor, lol, just pulled up and dropped in the Ranger

 

thank you for responding sir you have been super helpful always. When you say swap the intake, do you mean the whole intake manifold or the air box and air duct where the air filter goes to

 

The intakes on the engine, upper and lower

Lower is your call, never looked at them side by side, but its only 8 more bolts(and new gasket), if they are the same then just the upper with the fuel rail and injectors
1998 ran single fuel line and 60psi fuel pressure
1995 ran 2 fuel lines and 35psi pressure

 

thank you. Luckily I was able to get the exhaust and intake manifolds with the 1995 motor. It won’t be in the truck until a little after Christmas but I will update you in how it goes. Thank you sir

 

motor finally swapped. Trucks running. All is good now just some minor things to fix but all is good thank you for help sir.