Hey guys, I have a 1997 Ranger XLT w/ the ever so powerful 2.3L 🤦‍♂️. I have been thinking about doing a 5.0 swap for a while and from everything I can see my best bet is to find a 1997 Explorer that came from the factory with the 5.0 to use as a donor vehicle. A buddy of mine recently offered me an extra motor he has, it’s the 5.0 out of a 1995 F150. I feel like this is a dumb question but is there anyway this would be the same or just as easy to swap in as the Explorer 5.0? Any help of advice would be appreciated. I’m not a mechanic and don’t have a shop, just work on it in the driveway and figure **** out as I go.

 

I just went though this process and read all there is to offer on this swap here. I decided to just buy rear ended Lincoln and rob all the parts needed. I didn’t want fuel injection so that made it all that much simpler. Me and my brother were able to do the swap in a weekend. Getting steering linkage geometry, tv cable, and exhaust is what took the most time. All in all have less then 1500$ in it at this point. I did just order new wheels and tire for it yesterday now I’m 2500$ into it.

 

Good work

This post is worthless without PICTURES.........lol

 

Kept it clean inside

Simple and clean. 1988 mark 7 5.0 ho.


Will have new wheels next week. Rear 15x10 6.5 backspace 295/50/15 front 15x8 4.5 backspace 275/60/15.

 

Looks GREAT

 

It was a project I hadn’t really wanted to do. The truck was all but free and then that got the wheels turning. The truck will probably be used once or twice a month so I figured I can do without ac. After I get the wheels and tires on I think a lock right locker will be in order then some Nos. Should be a fun weekend runner.

 

These are what I’m putting on it. From what I came up with the backspace on the rears will be close. I just hate to see wheels sticking out. I would rather see them tucked in and flush with the wells.

295/50/15 and 275/60/15

 

All clear! 26 inch tire will be able to articulate as I’m not hitting off road in my 2wd ranger. I’m so relieved I’m not going to be sticking out like no thought was put into fitting rims.

Clean and unseen

 

Getting mounted in the morning


Should be as clean as my sl55 with 285/35/18s