Hello guys,

I have been thinking of doing this swap for years but haven't decided what I really want to do but from your experience, what would be the best and most simple donor engine, trans and year should I be looking for. The current specs are 95/96 Ford Ranger Splash 2wd ext cab with the 4.0 engine and auto trans but I would go with a manual for the V8 so let me know your suggestions.

Thanks

 

1996 or 97 Explorer with V8 are the better year donors, they don't have PATS(passive anti-theft system)
1998 to 2001 do, 2001 was last year of the 5.0l V8

But if you get the donor with keys then PATS just adds an extra step, not a big deal

Pretty much all V8 explorers came with automatics, and the Engine computer(PCM) will "look for" the automatic on start up so will set CEL(check engine light) if its not there, engine still runs OK, may idle a bit high
You can have PCM reprogrammed and delete automatic trans software and PATS if needed, not sure on the cost, $200-$300???

The 5 speed manual transmission from a 1997-2003 Ford F-150 2WD with 4.2l V6 will bolt to the 5.0l engine, same bolt pattern, its an M5R2 transmission with shifter in same location as Ranger used, Rangers used the smaller M5R1 manual trans

Its not a "plug and play" swap, but most years have been done, so once you have a donor year you can find more specific information on the wiring crossovers needed

1995-1997 Rangers used speed sensor(VSS) on the transmissions tail shaft that put out an 8,000PPM signal for speedometer and cruise and PCM
This was eliminated in 1998 model year on most Fords
So the M5R2 transmission won't have that
You can use an SGI-5E module($85) hooked to the rear axle ABS sensor, to get the 8,000PPM signal needed, this doesn't effect the ABS you are just "tapping" its signal then converting it to the 8,000PPM needed
PPM = pulse per mile

 

Thank you RonD once again for your helpful info.

 

I didn't mention it but it does make life a bit easier on 5.0l engine swaps

5.0l(302) engines were first made for production vehicles in 1968, so they have been around a long long time, 33 years, good solid engine
Which means there are distributors and carburetors/intakes for them every where
No computer needed

I prefer fuel injection and distrbutorless but have to run a computer for those.

You would still need speedometer interface

 

Hi RonD, so I found a 1997 V8 explorer vin P 8th digit and was wondering what else should I ask for if I go to purchase the engine. Getting the entire vehicle is out of the question so I would need to know what are all the parts I would need from that.

Thanks again