Hey all!

Im in the market for an engine swap in my 2005 Ford Ranger 4.0 SOHC 4x2 with an auto (5R55E). The current motor has a pretty significant rod knock and the trans is starting to kick, both are pushing 300k miles. I have my sites on a 4.0 SOHC out of a 98 explorer with 130k on it. i'll probably end up doing a fresh rebuild on it since it's already out of the truck. Seller also has an auto trans with it, also 4x2 with a fresh rebuild but is unsure of the make. If both motor and tranny worked that would be ideal, im working in trying to get more information or a tag on the tranny. Is this a pretty straight forward swap? I've done motor work in the past on diesels but never with the 4.0.

Thank you all in advance!

 

Unfortunately, while it is the same 5R55E transmission it won't work with your 2005 computer
In 2001 Ford added an ISS and OSS sensor to the outside of the 5R55E which the 1998 won't have, and you can't add them
2005 computer needs the ISS and OSS sensors for shifting, and also for your speedometer, that comes from computer via OSS sensor

A 2005 5R55E COULD BE used in a 1998, but not the other way around

Yes, the 1998 4.0l SOHC would for sure need the new timing chains, guides, and tensioners, the 1997 to 2003 4.0l SOHC had issues with original design

You could buy both then sell the 5R55E to someone with a 2000 or earlier 4.0l SOHC or OHV, then use the money to rebuild yours or find a low mile 2001-2011 5R55E

Just FYI
5R55E was ONLY used with the 4.0l SOHC or 4.0l OHV engines
5R44E were only used with the 3.0l or 4cyl engines

But watch out, 5R55E is the generic model number most places use, so you could see "for sale 5R55E for a 2004 Ranger" and it may be from a 3.0l or 2.3l, so will not work for you, you HAVE TO ASK

 

Awesome and informative write up. thank you for the response!

 

I'm not sure if this should be it's own thread or not, but this seemed to be the most closely related.

I have a 2005 Ranger xlt 4x4 with a 4.0 that blew. My neighbor has a "2002 Ford Ranger 4WD 6 Cylinders U 3.0L MFI OHV 183 CID" which was parked 4 or 5 years ago, probably because of a broken fuel pump that he never took the time to replace. Both vehicles are automatic, but I would be trying to replace the blown 4.0 that is currnetly in the 2005 xlt, with the working 3.0 in the 2002 edge. They are both 4x4 but the 2005 has the extra space behind the front seats which makes it a longer vehicle because they both have the same 6ft bed. Does this sound doable? I've done all my own mechanic jobs so far, changed a clutch, starter, alternator, etc... I am 24, and would really appreciate any advice. Aloha and Malalo, Timotee

 

Welcome to the forum

No not do-able in any practical way

The 3.0l won't bolt to 2005 motor mounts or transmission
You also would need to swap computers and wiring harness, and the problem there is the 2002 is analog and the 2005 is digital, so most of the behind the dash wiring would also need to be changed

Buy the 3.0l Ranger get it running and SELL it, then use that money to fix the 4.0l Ranger engine and trans as needed

If you were used to a 4.0l SOHC engine's power the 3.0l Vulcan engine would be a VERY BIG disappointment for you, so not a good swap to even consider for that reason alone, 60 horsepower less, which is huge in a 3,500lbs vehicle

 

You need to start your OWN thread, this is called hijacking, even if it's an old thread

Go here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...discussion-15/

Click on "+ New Thread", left side upper area

Then post your question(s)