I have a 98 4.0 ranger 4x4 with a 5 speed . Bought a 2001 explorer with 4.0 and auto trans. Just wondering what all it would take to swap engines. Any help is appreciated.

 

The 4.0l OHV and SOHC used the same basic block so motor mounts and transmission bolt patterns are the same, SOHC has extra bellhousing bolt hole but doesn't need to be used

Your 1998 Flywheel should fit on the 2001 crank, assuming you want to stay with manual trans, but not sure on starter motors.

You will need the 2001 computer and engine wiring harness
2001 Explorer will use PATS(passive anti-theft system) Type B, this means there will be a PATS module above the glove box and a transceiver on the Key cylinder on steering column
The PATS Module and Computer are "married" at the factory so have to be used as a set, transceiver is just a powered antenna and can be swapped with one that fits Ranger key cylinder if the explorer one doesn't fit
Rangers got PATS in 1999

The 2001 computer will also want to "see" automatic transmission solenoids and sensors with Key on, and they won't be there................this will cause CEL to come on but also running issues, because computer "thinks" transmission has failed

In 2001 Explorer the Speed signal came from OSS sensor on the transmission, manual or automatic, and you won't have this on a 1998
You 1998 Ranger gets speed signal from rear axle ABS sensor via GEM module behind radio, it converts the the 20,000ppm ABS signal to 8,000ppm signal speedometer needs
If you send this signal to the 2001 computer I am not sure it will accept it????
Computer will set P0500 code and turn on CEL if speed signal is not working

You can have the 2001 computer programmed, to remove automatic transmission software and install manual trans software, and also have PATS deleted if you want, so one less thing to deal with
Not sure on the speed signal but there should be a way for programmer to deal with that

1998 and 2001 used same fuel pressure at the engine, connector to fuel rail is different


2001 4.0l SOHC engine will need timing chain updated if it hasn't been done yet, if it has then I would still install 2 new motorcraft tensioners on the long chains

Not sure if the oil pan was the same for the 4.0l SOHC for Rangers and explorers, 2WD and 4WD

The exhaust size will be the same but not sure if the connections at the engine end will match up
Same for radiator, size will be OK, not sure on hose size and sides, the automatic radiators are double core so better to use in any case

 

If I were to have the computer programmed to deleted the trans and PATS does the computer or wiring harness have anything to do with 4x4 and T case? Also do you know of anyone who does this programming for rangers?

 

No, the 4WD system was never part of engine computer software in any year Ranger or Explorer, separate module, in 1998-2000 Rangers 4WD is controlled by GEM and a 4x4 relay box, both behind the Radio

No I don't know any programmers, check with local Speed Shops, people that add parts to engines also need to have them "tuned" to get extra power, and that means "programmed"