Hello, My bf has a 99 4.0 ohv out of a 4wd explorer. He is having trouble getting it to bolt up to his 98 ranger 2wd. Should the 2 bolt up if not what is the reason? Need some help please.

 

You don't mention the transmissions?

Were both automatics?

The bellhousing bolt pattern is the same, if BOTH transmissions were connected to 4.0l, OHV or SOHC doesn't matter in this case
But manual needs a Fly wheel on the engine crank, and automatic needs a Flex plate

Also with automatics you must SEAT the torque converter INSIDE the bell housing BEFORE trying to bolt trans to engine, VERY IMPORTANT step, you will ruin the automatic transmission if you don't do this

Video here:

 

Only if his Ranger had a 4.0L in it to begin with

 

Ok so the transmission he has in the truck is automatic it was bolted up to his 4.0 ohv. He just now told me he doesn't know if the engine he is trying to bolt up to came out of an automatic or a manual. So if it came out of a manual it won't bolt up to an automatic transmission, correct? Thank you so much......
Just so ya know this is where I come to find out about this truck he's been trying to get running for about 6 months now. You are very knowledgeable and I always seem to find the answer I am looking for. Thanks Ron!

 

If both engines are Ford 4.0l then it will bolt up to either a manual or automatic transmission for a 4.0l, but you need to bolt a flexplate to the crankshaft to use an automatic transmission

Flexplate looks like this: https://www.pacificmotors.com/wp-con...1250822821.jpg

Manual transmission needs a Flywheel for the clutch, much thicker: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xlUAA...jIl/s-l300.jpg