I have a question about engine interchangeability
 

I have a 2004 Ranger 4wd, auto trans and sohc v6. I may need to replace my engine (overheated, now runs like doo-doo). Will an engine of like kind from an explorer work or is there a lot of extra configuration that will need to be done (wiring, computer, sensors etc)

Guessing you're OK as everything is ahead of the transmission...and from what I recall (hazardous) most Explorers had an auto too.

What trim level was your '04?
At what mileage did your Ranger overheat and why?

Approximately 120,000 miles, burgundy exterior, tan interior, extended cab (4 doors, 2 full, 2 half) Thermostat housing was leaking and didnt fix it before it finally crapped out.
ive been told that some years of the explorers have different configurations like engine mounts, accessory mounting bosses are different etc. Don’t know if that’s true so I am getting as much info as I can. I can get a low mileage engine out of an explorer for about $400 but I would sure feel more confident knowing what will and won’t work