Alright guys my 2004 ranger was hit the other day it has very low miles on it and I found a good priced 1998 ranger and I was wanting to do an engine swap from my 04 to the 98. I’m pretty sure the 98 is a ohv. What would it intel to swap my 04 sohc into the 98?

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, 1998 Ranger would have the 4.0l OHV, yours is a 4.0l SOHC

Can't do that swap, well not economically, but you can decide

2004 was first year Rangers got CAN Bus and HEC(hybrid electronic cluster)
So the computer(PCM), HEC(dash) and all the modules, i.e. ABS, SRS, ect........ALL talk to each other over a network, the CAN Bus
The dash and computer are "married" at the factory, one will not work without the other, so they are a set.
So to use the computer you have to bring the dash and to bring the dash you need the whole CAN bus wiring and most modules so...................not practical

You can swap over the 2004 engine and transmission, if automatic, but you will need a computer and engine wiring harness from a 2001-2003 Ranger with 4.0l and matching transmission.
Also at least one key for that computer because it has PATS, passive anti-theft, you can pay to have PATS deleted

If your 2004 is manual trans and 1998 is manual trans you just need the engine, but still need computer and wiring, but for manual trans Ranger 4.0l SOHC


I think you should look for a 2001-2011 Ranger or B4000 with a blown engine or trans, if automatic, and swap your good engine and trans into that

Other thing about the 1998 swap is that it will be a Frankenstein vehicle, and not a good one, because any one can go out and buy a 4.0l SOHC Ranger stock
V8 swap is a good Frankenstein vehicle, and its about the same work, and Ford never made one of these, well sold one of these lol.

 

Thanks so much this was the kind of information I was looking for. I will be looking for a 2001-2011 then.