Looking into doing a 302 swap in my 2000 2wd ranger. My ranger currently has a four cylinder 2.5 engine with a manual transmission and about 230k miles:).
here is my basic part list ideas at the moment.

turn key 302 carbureted built engine - https://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-302-320-HP-HIGH-PERFORMANCE-BALANCED-TURN-KEY-CRATE-ENGINE-MUSTANG-TRUCK/202222271079?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid =p2060353.m1438.l2649
f150 M5R2 97-04 manual transmission - https://www.ebay.com/itm/F150-M5R2-M...4383.l4275.c10
1996-2001 explorer motor mounts - https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-PCS-Motor-Trans-Mount-For-1996-2001-Ford-Explorer-5-0L/152083017295?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid =p2060353.m1438.l2649
Hedman 88400 headers - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hedman-88400-Standard-Duty-Uncoated-Headers-1964-73-Mustang-1966-73-Fairlane/400502115122?epid=215088932&hash=item5d3fc94b32:g: mnwAAOSwUM5aHwe6&vxp=mtr

My questions are
1) What other special parts do I need to make this work?
2) What kind of clearance issues can I expect?
3) What would be the most basic wiring setup?

Any thoughts on the subject would be much appreciated as I have never done a swap before.

-jesse

 

HEI distributor for 302 just needs Key On voltage, so very simple spark wiring for carb engine.

You will need an inline Fuel Pressure Regulator to use the in tank high pressure stock fuel pump.
2000 Ranger should have 3 hose fuel filter so will have Return line on that for regulator

You will have to separate wires in the stock engine harness as most will be for sensors but there will be some for lighting and power that needs to stay

 

Is your 2000 an Edge (torsion bar) or regular (coil spring) front suspension?

 

Ok cool, I forgot about a Fuel Pressure Regulator. yes my ranger has a 3 hose fuel filter.

separating wires in the stock engine harness sounds tedious

 

No it is not an Edge, it has regular coil springs