Ive got a 2001 Ranger Edge with the Big 4.0L V6 & the automatic 5R55E transmission. The truck is junk BUT the engine & trans have just over 60K on them. The trans is a 4x4 but I want/need the 4x2 for a transplant i am doing. My question is this, will my bcm from the 4x4 trans run a 4x2 trans? in practicality, i see where it would bc there it already has the 4x2 system in it just an extra program for the 4x4 option, however i am stumped in this quest to find an answer, the master ASE mechanics i talk to dont know, ford dealerships dont know, i am at a loss of people to talk to. I want to have my ducks in a row before I start the removal process.

a little background on the transplant. The 4.0L & rear end from the '01 Ranger is going into a 1962 Ford Falcon Station Wagon for a practical little scoot around car not a hot rod just a different swap than what everybody is doing.

 

The computer does control trans shifting but the 4WD tranfercase shifting is done in another module not the computer.

The tail shaft housing may be an issue.

And one big problem...............2001 Ranger will have an anti-theft system(PATS).
This consists of the Computer, PATS module, and ignition key switch with working PATS keys.
So you can't just use the computer on it's own, engine/computer won't run without "PATS" approval.

I have read that the older 4.0l OHV computer will run the 4.0l SOHC since they have the same displacement.
5R55E trans was used starting in 1997 in 4.0l Rangers, PATS didn't start until 1999

 

i am just reiterating what you just said, because its what ive been thinking i believe so bear with me!

1. i am swapping the 4x4 trans for a 4x2 trans both being (5R55E) ~the computer will run the 4x2 trans because its run by a totally separate module~

2. the PATS control is not a problem, my best friend & co-worker is ASE Master tech, he knows a way to disable the PATS control or bypass it. Im not too worried about that. i have all of the needed PATS components if I need it (key, modules, computer)

 

The 5R55E trans is the same for 4x4 or 4x2, the tail shaft is just different so transfer case can be used, so no computer issue, it will run either.
The transfer case has the separate module to run the shift motor.

 

I believe the 01's have integrated pats in the PCM(same gen as my 03 and its integrated) which will make it easier. I know certain handheld programmers can turn it off some of the guys I've seen in other threads did it on the EXPO PCM's during the 5.0 swap into their trucks so idk why you would be able to turn it off in the 4.0 PCM but other than that you should be good.