Hi guys, wondering if it is worth it to try and turbo the stock 4.0 or if the swap from the explorer is the better option. I didn't see a sticky thread on this. If this question has already been answered I apologize.

 

Welcome to the forum

Unless you are racing in a 4 liter limited bracket then no not worth it

Stock explorer V8 swap would be better

 

Is there a better option for a turbo motor or is a V8 swap the way to go. Wanted to do a airbag set up and modify/swap the engine.

 

4cyl engines are better for turbos, more bang for the buck, also more room for the turbo and intercooler

Stock V8 would still be my choice, I am old school, so "there is no replacement for displacement" lol

 

What would be the best donor engine for the v8 swap. A explorer?

 

Yes, only one with an intake low enough to fit in Ranger, Ford stopped using the 302/5.0l in other vehicles in 1996, only the Explorers/Mountaineers had them thru 2001

1996/7 are best years, no PATS, 1998-2001 are fine as well just get at least one key with the vehicle, yes buy the whole vehicle, you need lots of the parts
These were only automatics, if you want a manual trans then you need an M5OD-R2 from a 1997 to 2003 f-150 with 4.2l V6 engine
The 4.2l V6 in those years had the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 302/5.0l V8s, and the shifter placement was the same as in a Ranger so nice fit

 

If your 4.0 already has the M5OD (1991 in my case), would there be anything hindering you from just buying a bell housing from the parts store or the yard? I mean, you already have everything apart and you might as well rebuild the tranny at the same time, so wouldn't it be fairly easy?

 

The M5OD model transmissions(R1 and R2) have integrated bell housings, so can't be swapped, the bell housing and transmission case are cast as one piece
Only the tail shaft housing is a bolt on, for 2WD or 4x4 use

 

Ohhh, ok, thanks for that clarification.