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Trying to find out everything I'll need to know to do a 5.0 swap. I have a 1995 mustang gt 5 speed as a doner, and a 2002 ford ranger 2.3 5 speed that the head gasket blew. I've researched a bit on some things I'll need but just want do double down on the knowledge. Can anyone give me a detailed description on some things I'm having trouble with like what mount adapters I'll need, will the computer work from the mustang? If the transmission is in bad shape on the mustang (has a tough time going into gear) should I keep the stock ranger transmission? Do I need a drive a new drive shaft? What other modifications should I expect doing this swap?
Your life will be -immensely- easier if you can pick up an Explorer donor rather than the Mustang GT. It will have a computer and wiring harness that fits correctly in your engine compartment, exhaust manifolds that fit, a transmission that drops right onto your existing transmission mount, motor mounts you can use, etc. The front end accessory drive system is also much shorter than other versions of the 5.0 and fits easily in your engine compartment. It will save you significant time and money during the conversion.
Your life will be -immensely- easier if you can pick up an Explorer donor rather than the Mustang GT. It will have a computer and wiring harness that fits correctly in your engine compartment, exhaust manifolds that fit, a transmission that drops right onto your existing transmission mount, motor mounts you can use, etc. The front end accessory drive system is also much shorter than other versions of the 5.0 and fits easily in your engine compartment. It will save you significant time and money during the conversion.
Yeah I realize it would be easier with the explorer swap, but I'm okay with a little bit more extra work plus I know the mustangs motor is in good shape. I've already seen the Ford ranger station stuff.
Your best bet is to look for similar swaps, i.e. Mustang V8 into......................??, doesn't matter, it will have details on what wires are needed to get the Mustang V8 and computer online
The Mustangs used a different relay setup than Rangers, they had a "combo" relay box, actually neat but a pain to mix and match with another system
Pull out the computer with FULL engine wiring harness, if its connected, pull it out
With that harness you should just have to add 12volt and Grounds, in theory
You will have to open up the harness's on BOTH Vehicles to remove just the engine harness wiring not the lights or wipers or ???, they are all together in the main harness's
Also the Engine Fuse box wiring needs to be kept intact in the Ranger
Its is a daunting task, but one wire at a time, don't think of it overall, lol
I would buy a 1995 Mustang EVTM, its the electrical manual Ford sends out every year for every new vehicle
Also buy a 2002 Ranger "Wiring Diagram" manual, Ford renamed in 1999 from EVTM to Wiring Diagrams
MUST BE 1995 Mustang, and 2002 Ranger, close won't help, and MUST BE the Ford manual only
These are basically free, because people use them and then sell them, and you can do the same, to get your money back after you are done with them
The Transmission from the Mustang, The shifter is about 12" farther back than the Ranger, the shifter lever will by your hip , not your knee, makes it really hard to shift.
