Hey guys! First time ever writing in a forum so excuse me as I don’t know the proper etiquette lol. I have a 2002 ranger 2.3 2wd auto. I’ve been wanting to swap for a while. I’ve seen multiple options but I was wondering if it is possible for me to just get a 03 mustang 5.0, remove the engine, trans, shaft, and axle as a whole. Then just gut my truck as much as possible and attach the assembly from the mustang. I understand this may require shortening the shaft since I have a single cab. My main concerns were about the motor mounts and overall motor figment into there. Also transmission mounts and fitment. If you guys can shed some light regarding this dilemma that would be great thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum

2003 Mustang had 4.6l SOHC or DOHC V8(or a V6)

In a word, No

The popular 302ci/5.0l V8 that is a common Ranger swap was last used in a 2001 Explorer(1996 Mustang)
It was 19" wide and 21" tall, and was a tight squeeze in a Ranger engine bay

The 4.6l V8 is 26" to 30" wide, and 26" to 30" tall

The width means you have to move the steering shaft and forget about a heater or AC

Also exhaust manifolds would be tough

Engine dimensions here: https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...al-dimensions/

5.0l DOHC Coyote is included, Mustang got this one in 2011 I think

You CAN do anything but IMO this would be full of headaches without any real benefits over a 302/5.0l swap, and you know that fits in a Ranger

 

I believe another problem with a 5.0 out of a Mustang or even a F150, is the accessories on the front of the motor are wrong, they are to far forward, water pump, alternator, power steering pump, all that good stuff needs to come from an Explorer.

 

Ok thanks for the warning because I probably would have followed through ! Lol are there any manual explorers the whole reason I’m asking is because I’m trying to do this a little differently than I’ve seen before. I want to get the whole driving force on the car and swap it out(trans and rear end also) maybe even wayyyy later on converting the rear end to shocks (track purposes) I’m just trying to minimize all the individual cutting and pasting and try to make it one big “cut and paste”

 

You may want to find the chassis(suspension) you want with power train you like, then look at body swap

Ranger dimensions seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/sto...er-dimensions/


Or look at the Chevy LS1 drive trains they are a tight package with good power

Or a built 302/5.0l can match most newer Ford modular V8s