Good morning everyone!

I have a strange request...

Swapping a 4.0 SOHC (my 2003 Ranger XLT 2wd) with a 3.0 OHV (from 2001 XLT 2wd). Timing chain issues had a repair turn ugly. I think when the mechanic pieced my engine back together, he didn't clean out the oil galleys and pathways because it started to grind. It's not frozen, so I think I saved it. I went back to the mechanic and he's gone. His shop is closed just a week after I got my truck back.

I'm saving up money to get a remanufactured 4.0 or rebuild myself with all the knowledge I got from you guys, but I need my truck NAO!

OK...back to the 4.0 to 3.0 swap...

"Why would you think that?"

"I would replace with another 4.0!"

I have a chance to get a wrecked 2001 Ranger XLT 2wd with a still-running engine and tranny for super cheap and it's available now. I can do the physical swap over the weekend, but the wiring and ECUs and stuffs...

As my 4.0 engine and tranny would now be out of the truck, I could rebuild the things and swap them back at my leisure.

Are the harnesses similar, as in, can I unplug my ECU and install the donor truck's ECU in its place and have the thing actually start and run? Any special differences, other than dimensions and lines placement I need to know?

I haven't seen a 3,0 equipped ranger to compare yet, nor have I gone out to inspect the thing, yet.

I can't swap a 5.0...yet. I live in CA and CARB may have a say what I can and can't install in my truck. I need moar time to research.

I told you it was strange

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx all!

 

Welcome to the forum


The Calif. laws prevent the swap of an older engine into a newer vehicle, you would need to use a 2003 or later model engine, regardless of displacement.

But not a good swap in any case.
You would need:
Engine
Transmission(if you change engine size)
Computer and wiring harness for new engine size, no, wiring is different for each displacement

1999 and up Rangers have PATS(passive anti-theft system) which has to be dealt with when you change computers(PCMs)


And in many areas you have to file for Salvaged or Rebuilt Title if you change engine size since the VIN will no longer match, Ford VIN has engine size as the 8th digit
Ford VIN info here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...IN_Codes.shtml

Find a 4.0l SOHC engine, 2003 and up, and use it
If the 3.0l Ranger is a good deal, buy it and flip it, use that money towards another 4.0l SOHC

The 2005 and up 4.0l SOHC engines had the newer design timing chains and tensioners, so didn't have the problems the 1997-2004 engines did.

And the Ranger 3.0l was nicknamed 3.slow, many consider the 3.0l engine underpowered for the Rangers weight, and got the same MPG as the 4.0l SOHC, so..............less power and no fuel savings, not a trade up, lol

 

Thank you for all that info. I appreciate the advice.

I do have the engine and trans...pretty much everything. It's a wrecked body, but good mechanically. She started it up with the turn of the key. Looks very crunchy from behind. It was pushed pretty far in.

My short-term idea was to get something running in there right meow, and rebuild my 4.0 engine to swap back later.

Also...
Would anyone know if the motor and tranny mounts are different?
Will the ECU be able to handle the ABS at least temporarily?
Will the 3.0 A/C work with the 4.0 wiring and controls? Compressor swap impossible?
MAF swap? O2 sensor swap?

I'm getting dizzy

Thanx for your input.

 

Thank you again, RonD

I have a new thread asking about compatibility years of my 4.0.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/drivet...7/#post2140572