Currently have the 3.0. Regardless of what I do I'm looking at a new/newish engine here soon.

So what I believe is an obvious. Engine, wiring harness/computer and motor mounts.

Truck is a manual. I'm not positive on it, but I'm guessing I am running the same transmission as the 01+ 2wd trucks. If not let me know lol. However if it is will I need to change anything on it? bell housing ect...

Not against throwing another 3.0 in it, but wouldn't mind to up the power a little with the 4.0 and I figured it would be easier to swap right now then a 5.0 and I know I would be happy with the 4.0 as a DD. 5.0 might be a bit much for a DD at this point. Plus I am trying to avoid messing with a different transmission if I can.

If you have any other info feel free to inform me!

 

I believe its the same tranny as the other rangers. however, I'm not too sure if it will fit a 4.0
It might, but i've never looked into it as far as whether or not it needs to be replaced.

 

you will need a trans if you go 4.0. the mounting points are different between the two motors.

i would see about getting a donor truck you can park side by side and start swapping stuff. will save time and extra trips to the yard for parts.

 

Thats what I was afraid of. It's something to consider, but for cost effectiveness I may just stick with the 3.0.

 

You wouldn't be able to use your current 3.0 transmission because:

• The internal transmission components in the SOHC 4.0's are upgraded for the larger engine.
• Bellhousing has a different bolt pattern and bellhousing is integral to the trans case so it can't be swapped separately.

A 2001~2003 SOHC would need some wiring adjustments in a 98 but it's doable. Wiring a complete 2004+ Ranger engine/trans/PCM into a 98 gets progressively more difficult as the years get newer. For every 99+ 4.0 Ranger PCM except 2005, you'd need to do something about PATS, either wire it in or disable it in PCM software.

For any swap, you'd need the complete engine, matching 2WD transmission, matching PCM, matching engine/trans/starter harnesses, y-pipes and cats, engine mounts, clutch/flywheel/pressure plate and a few other odds and ends.

The stock 7.5 axle in good condition will hold up to a 4.0/5.0 2WD unless abused. For performance driving with the larger engines, an 8.8 w/LSD would be a better choice.

Remember that early 4.0L SOHC Rangers have a reputation for timing chain rattle, especially 2001~2002. Explorers also got a different version of this engine as an option starting in1997 and those earlier Ex SOHC's have the same issue. The 2003+ 4.0 SOHC is generally considered "fixed" although there are a few owners who say different.

If you got a 98 Ranger 4.0 OHV/transmission/etc/etc instead, it should be 100% bolt in and require no wiring changes other than using the matching 4.0 engine harnesses. A 99~00 4.0 OHV should also be relatively easy except for the PATS hassle.

 

It's weird that ford offered the sohc motor and had issues with it, fixed the issues then 4 years later had the same problem that they fixed show up.

 

The Explorers had the same timing chain issue with the 4.0 SOHC that the Rangers did. They just had it for four extra years.

 

Oh, ford never fixed it. I see.

 

giving ford way to much credit haha