Hey guys hows life in the RF? I Have not been here in a LONG time. I am back now with start of my current project. I am putting a 1996 Explorer 5.0 in to my 1986 ranger. I have searched and searched the forums for info on this swap and I can't much of anything that has to do with 96 5.0 exp into a 2.9 FI ranger. I am also Looking on the ranger station. No luck their either. I am finding tons of info but it just not what I need. Mostly what I am finding is either swap info for running a carb's or swapping the exp 5.0 into a newer ranger 98 and up. Can some one please give me lots of info or post a link for me.

The current stats of my truck: 1986 Ford Ranger,4x4,2.9 ltr FI, A4LD auto tranny(stinks),extcab, d35 Front from a exp, 31 spline 8.8 rear from a exp. 4:56 gears, and about a 6-8in lift, Running 33x12.5 Bfg all terrains.

I know that their is a thousand threads with 5.0 info in them and I have been reading up on them. But like i said I just can't find much on running a explorer 5.0 in a first gen ranger.

I will start a build thread and have pictures. I all ready have the doner truck and I will start stripping it down in the next few days.

 

Well a found a thread on the "Explorer Forum" This is what I am check out right now.
410 fortune - 5.0L EFI 4R70W drivertrain conversion - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®
Only this is a bronco II but really it is the same truck.

 

ok, So it is things like this that get confusing. From the James duff web sight, It should be all most a "bolt in swap" Then From the explorer forum thread, this guy had to do a huge wiring project. So what is it? A easy bolt in or a hard wiring project?

From james duff:
"4.0L V6: On '86 and newer 2.9L V6 equipped vehicles, this is essentially a bolt-in swap. The 4.0 engine control computer, engine wiring loom, cooling system, and transmission should all be swapped in. This engine makes 170 hp, and can be upgraded with a Duff Power Chip, a free flow air filter, and even a supercharger.

5.0L V8 (Fuel Injected 302): On '86 and newer 2.9L V6 equipped trucks, swapping in the 215 hp 5.0L is similar to the 4.0L swap, in that you'll need to take the engine control computer and engine wiring loom from the donor vehicle. The modifications necessary for installation are mostly the same as the carbureted 302. If all emission equipment is retained, most states will accept it as emissions legal."

 

so far I am just continuing my research. I went ahead and bought a harwood performance manual that will help cover the build. So far it is pretty interesting.

 

no input from the ranger forum guys?