How much is really invloved in a 5.0l ford explorer swap with my 02 ford ranger? what would be needed besides the motor its self? would this be require a new tranny and cpu? and is there any MAJOR downsides to doing this

 

This is just one recent post from Ron.
And new CPU for sure...
Rear axle too, the 5 litre engine will eat the 3 litre for breakfast.
The downside is that's it's allot of work.

ttp://www.ranger-forums.com/2-9l-3-0l-v6-tech-32/bad-3-0-what-swap-149223/#post2110650

 

First you need to check local vehicle laws, in some states you can only swap in the same year or newer engine, regardless of size, and then that vehicle must meet emission requirements for the year of the engine.

Yes there is quite a bit of work required and parts

The 5.0l Explorers were all automatics so if your Ranger is an automatic it makes for a few less steps.

You need the 5.0l engine and transmission, 2 wheel drive, Ranger trans won't bolt to 5.0l, and wouldn't handle the power in any case.

The 5.0l computer and wiring harness for engine and transmission.

Motor mounts and transmission mounts are different so need to be changed/moved

Exhaust system needs to be changed/swapped

Good read here: MudSlanger's Explorer 5.0 Swap In A 2000 Ford Ranger

You won't need the 4x4 stuff

You will also need to interface the Ranger electrics with the Explorer computer and power systems, this is just general wiring and splicing but is specific for the year of the Ranger and year of the Explorer.


Simpler swap is Carburetor/distributor 302/5.0l engine and an AOD automatic(not AODE), no computer or wiring harness needed, but MPG is less than EFI and needs adjusting over the years

 

Is it just my research, or did they not make a 5.0l explorer in 2002?

 

No, look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Explorer

2002 was 3rd generation, and switched to the 4.6l modular V8, which is much too wide for Ranger, also not a great engine.

2001 was last year the Windsor 302/5.0l was offered in Explorer or Mountaineer

 

would that fairly easy in my ranger, the 2001 Windsor 302/5.0?

 

Pretty much the same with any year from 1999 to 2001 explorer

Read here as well: https://www.ranger-forums.com/8-cyli...dge-4x2-76948/