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This is my Ranger stepside I picked up for $450 with the Engine and Tranny already removed! The body has 134,+++ miles on it and only needs a few pieces in the front items replaced. The donor for my project is the 1997Mountaineer pictured that I picked up for $750 with 76,+++ miles on it.

 

I already purchased most of the swap items needed..... Ford Racing Oil Filter relocation kit, 94-94 5.0 Mounts, Flow masters and a complete new interior. I have rounded up a 2001 Medium graphite Dash, 2001 Explorer Medium graphite Leather seats, 2001 Explorer console, Headliner and Custom dyed Graphit Carpet. I will be posting more pictures in the next week or so as I get started.

 

Cant wait to see the finished product.

 

really cool.. you should do a 01+ front end on there lol

 

I seen a guy who put a 99 or 00 on a 96 Ranger and it looked real good. That may be an option in the future. I am going to put the Mountaineer Bumper on the Ranger for now because it has fog lights and I got a new paintable grill and upper and lower Billet inserts.

 

Sounds like a good project. Best of luck

 

Motor any tranny are removed from the Mountaineer.....next step sliding it into the Ranger!

 

Here is the 5.0..just installed new Oil pump, Pickup, Daul sump Pan and Oil Filter relocation kit today. I Still got to install the new Motor mounts then its getting stuffed into the Ranger...I am gonna try and install it either Tuesday or Wednesday. http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/topdog2007_photos/pix241.jpg

 

 

Wow, clean looking engine. Best of luck on the swap, I'll be watching this thread.

 

damn nice catch on that exploder, really low miles

 

Yeah I will post a picture...The Mountaineer is wrecked in the rear end...You can see the plastic on the window. The lady I got it from did regular service on it. Before I took it out... it literally looked like it was just installed. Runs smooth and it one of a few 2wd...no awd or 4x4...Almost a complete plug and play swap!

 

 

sweeet. where do people find all these deals??

 

I own a Wrecker service so I come across good deals on vehicles all the time! The 5.0 Mountaineer was a first...I always see the 4.0 Exploders. I came across the Ranger body on Ebay...Guy had it as a Buy it Now...I snatched it up as quick as I could.....The body is near perfect...but the interior was ruined. Thats why I am converting it to the 2001.

 

Did'nt get the Motor installed today like I wanted too. I ran into two setbacks.. One I had to remove the Lower Motor mount Brackets because they made the motor sit up too high and the intake was'nt going to clear the hood so I am going to mount the Motor mounts straight to the K member, But to do this I had to return the right side Motor mount and I will be using "2" left side motor mounts and do a little modification to the K member and I will be in business! The second setback was my Ford racing Oil filter relocation kit is going to be in the way when I mount the Engine to the K member so I had to order a Remote Oil filter relocation kit....I should have done that anyway. So if anyone is interested I got a Brand new Ford Racing Oil Relocation kit for sale..Just Pm me! Parts will be in Thursday so I will post more info and pictures then.

 

are the expo and ranger motor mounts the same?

 

No the Explorer mounts make the Engine sit up way too high in th e97 and back! I hear they will work fine in a 98 and up. You will have to go with Mustang Mounts(87-93) or (94-95) and they all require a little modification.

 

I had to grind down the steering gear box a bit today. The clearance between the steering gear box and the engine is like 2 1/2 inches when my Motor mounts are sitting in their holes!! As crazy as it sounds I had to use the Ford Racing oil filter adapter AND the darn Remote oil Filter mount along with grinding the gear box...Luckily the headers point upwards on the Exploder 302 so the oil lines will not be near the them. I hope to actually Bolt the Engine in tommorrow and I will post more pictures!

 

With the Grinding done I have about 1/2 inch of wiggle room.

 

1/2" should be fine, that side of the engine lifts up when loaded, so it shouldn't get any closer.

 

Great info!! I was a little worried that it may be a problem in the future.

 

I made some progress today. I had to modify the A/c Bracket a little and I was able to Mount the Engine into the bay. I still have to install the Transmission to make it sit up right....But it sure looks nice sitting in the Engine Bay! All I have to say is if you are looking to do a swap like this...make sure you have lots of Patience, An understanding Wife, Fab Skills and some extra cash. The little parts will Nickel and Dime you to death!!

 

looks good man its coming together really nice!

 

Nice progress.

Im in need of a part or two off your ex. PM me please.