Questions on a 97 5.0 Explorer
 

Alright, so the junkyard down the road from me has a 1997 Explorer 5.0 XLT, the thing is pretty much trashed on the inside, but the motor supposedly runs

They want $400 for the motor with 200K on the dial. I know I should probably get some wiring to go with it, but what? What specifically do I need to grab besides the motor?

I know that 200K is a pretty old motor, but I would rebuild whatever motor I pulled regardless of mileage, maybe even power add-ons.

Before you ask, I have a 2001 4.0 automatic.

Take the whole thing. Will be easier in the long run. then part out what's left.

Will my 4.0 trans work with the 5.0?

So after browsing old threads I shouldn't use a 97

I should be looking for the 99-01 5.0 Explorers. Apparently the fuel systems aren't compatible in the 97's

is it an AWD? I always heard that's what you should look for and grab the whole thing. 97 5.0 AWD.

I'm not really sure on the transmission. Right now I'm just being that guy that doesn't have actual experience and just posts what he has read on the forum. haha.

Another question.

Where is the temp sensor located? That's why I went to the junkyard in the first place

It is an AWD

Yeah, skip the 97. Its something about the fuel return system.

Temp sensor should be hiding behind the valence on the driver side. It can be a pain to find.

Yea, I'd see what it would cost to get the whole truck.
You'd need the whole wiring harness. The transmission and both computers (TCM and PCM)
and maybe a few other odds and ends.

If the whole thing is cheap enough I might do it. But it might be better to hold out for the proper year Expo

wouldn't you just basically have to swap out the fuel return or something? I'm sure it's more complicated than that but I think it's doable. If the price is right, I'd go for it. I would probably pull the engine out and rebuild it before going in though, and not just rebuild it, but upgrade things. much easier before you get it in. I know you want to.

Oh I do, and with my new job, it's more financially viable.

Hopefully Bob sees this and weighs in.

Also can a mod could move this to the V8 subsection? I forgot we had one until I started browsing

I'll move it.

Wish i had an old truck to do this with.

What the hell is a TCM?

Some considerations for a 97 Ex engine in a 2001 4x4 Ranger:

• Fuel system: Change from returnless fuel system to return fuel by adding a return line.
• Speedometer: wire the 97 VSS signal generator on the Ex trans to the Ranger VSS. Easy
• PATS: the 97 Ex PCM eliminates PATS so this simplifies things.

It's usually more efficient and cheaper to use a donor truck. Some of the things you would need from a donor:

• 100% complete 5.0 engine w/ FEAD, all accessories and all harnesses
• Complete 4R70W transmission with harness
• Engine mounts and plates
• Trans mount
• Air filter box/MAF/induction hose
• Downpipes plus custom exhaust from the trans crossmember back
• Radiator
• PCM
• AWD transfer case, F/S transfer case or adapter for Ranger case. Possible driveshaft mods for some combinations.
• A/C lines
• Power steering hose
• Trans cooler and hardlines
• Throttle, cruise and transmission cables.
• Lots of other small stuff.

The above is not meant to be an all-inclusive list. Just a general idea of what's involved.

Some repinning and other mods should always be expected. A Ford Wiring Manual/EVTM should be obtained for the Ranger and for the Explorer. Cheap on eBay.

Will you have trouble registering an earlier engine in your 2001? Can it pass a smog inspection? These can be problem areas in some states.

Is there something wrong with the current 4.0 SOHC?? The 5.0 has a different power delivery and 50 lb-ft more peak torque but is a match for the 4.0's peak horsepower. From a performance point of view, it may be hard to justify the swap unless the 5.0 is modded for more output. There's good aftermarket support for anything you'd want to do to the 5.0 but it obviously adds to the price tag. Like the man said, "Speed costs - how fast do you want to go?"

True but the later engines have PATS to deal with and would require more complicated speedometer mods. No year 5.0 Ex swap into a 2001 Ranger is 100% plug and play simple. The good news is that just about any combo can be made to work.

No

No separate TCM with a 5.0 Ex. Transmission and engine are both controlled by the PCM.

Props to Bob.

I hadn't considered registration or smog testing since Missouri doesn't smog, but the places I get an inspection from don't even open the hood

I was hoping for a larger power gain too

It sounds like this may be more trouble than it's worth at this time. Since I no longer live with my parents I don't have easy access to their shop (I moved for a job, after graduating)

Thanks for all the info

Its a little more trouble than some people think, but the aftermarket potential for the 5.0 block is HUGE.

I think the extra trouble is worth it IMO vs. the 4.0 SOHC. Dont get me wrong, and 4.0 can be made stronger with the correct mods.....but nothing compared to the 5.0.

I've been lucky thus far with my 4.0, my engine is apparently in the bad batch of timing chain tensioners, but luckily, nothing has happened and I have no rattle

My biggest downfall is that I would have to pay a shop to do almost all of it since I live in an apartment complex with limited parking

Ah true. You dont know anybody with a shop or some place?

New town, new people. Eventually I should make connections

Don't be afraid to work in the parking lot, just bring someone to help so it won't take forever.

Help would make the work a lot easier, but I haven't really met anybody here besides people at work, and I can't tell who would be any help yet