I need to replace the engine in my 2008 Ranger. What year models are interchangeable with my existing 4 L? Will the motor out of an Explorer work?

 

Welcome to the forum

You have a 4.0l SOHC model engine
These vehicles used the 4.0l SOHC
2001–2011 Ford Ranger
2001–2010 Mazda B4000
1997–2010 Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer, 1997-2000 explorer could have the 4.0l OHV, a different 4.0l engine, 4.0l SOHC was an option in those years
2005–2010 Ford Mustang

The closer the year and vehicle model the fewer parts you will have to swap over
Intake manifolds changed over the years and model of vehicle
You just need to eyeball both engines and see whats different

A 2008 Ranger or B4000 4.0l would be plug and play
2WD or 4x4 don't matter, manual or automatic don't matter

1997 to 2003 4.0l SOHC had the old design timing chain tensioners, but regardless of the year you get, BOTH tensioners should be replaced, and do this every 100k miles
Also use a new Knock sensor, and check the plastic thermostat housing closely, they crack and leak, there is now a metal version available

If you go with explorer or mustang, oil pans may need to be swapped, eyeballs are your friend, lol

 

Thank you very much. This is great information.

 

Hi, brand new to this site. Have 2008 4.0, does anyone know how to improve the lousy gas milage, aside from walking. ?

 

Change O2 sensors, they last 100k miles or 12 years, they use a chemical reaction to detect oxygen in exhaust and chemical just gets used up, these are THE ONLY sensors that wear out
And they go lean as they get older and run out of chemicals, so FALSE LEAN, and computer adds more fuel than needs too and MPG slowly gets worse and worse
10 years is the limit in my opinion
2008 is 14 years old