I plan on following this guide to do an engine swap into my 3L v6 03 ranger. https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...er_ranger.html butmy ranger as it sits right now is a standard transmission, is there anyway to ditch the automatic transmission in the guide and go with a standard one? Would I have to find a standard explorer if they make them? would a T5 transmission work?

 

Welcome to the forum

You could use a T5, shifter is an issue, where it comes up thru the floor

Popular choice is the is a 1997-2003 M5OD-R2 from a F-150 with 4.2l V6 engine, 2WD or 4x4 which ever you have now

The M5OD-R2 is the bigger version of the M5OD-R1 used in Rangers, it is used with V8 engines, but the bell housing is not detachable
The 4.2l V6 engine used the same bolt pattern as the 5.0l OHV engine, 1997 to 2003 and shifter is in the same place as R1 Ranger shifter

You do need to enlarge the bell housing holes an 1/8" as the 4.2l used metric size and the 5.0l is SAE, not a big deal at all
You use the 5.0l flywheel and clutch setup


Computer will be an issue since it wants to see the solenoids in an automatic trans, so it will need to be reprogrammed to delete that software, check local speed shops for local programmers
They can also delete PATS(anti-theft) from the computer if you want

 

So pretty much my only decent option is to go for the M5OD-R2? Will it be able to withstand a decent amount of power? Also anywhere can delete that software?

 

I wouldn't run over 400ft/lb of torque thru it, I think its rating is 330ft/lb

 

Do you have any advice at all about this swap? This will be my first swap ever. Any like details you think should be added to that article?

 

The article covers all the bases I can see

The year of the Explorer you get will be needed to decide some things

1996/7 Explorer V8s didn't have PATS, which is one less thing to deal with, and 2WD or AWD won't matter since you won't be using the Explorer transmission

A 2" body lift can help but is not needed

The speedometer and cruise data on your 2003 Ranger comes from the computer, and that's going away, Explorer computer may have that, but depends on the year but I think it was only 2001 and thats a "maybe"
So worst case is using an interface speed module that costs $85, like the SGI-5E seen here: Universal Speedometer Signal Interface
Not hard to install

You will need the V8 computer programmed to delete the automatic trans software, but you can start it and drive it without that being done, its just that the Check engine light(CEL) will come on

 

The truck this is being done on has a 3" body lift already. The engine that it is being pulled out of won't matter? As long as it has the computer for the engine that it came out of? I should probably go for a 1996/7 explorer for sure then, correct?

 

Also, are there any other vehicles other than the explorer with the 302 that i can snag the engine out of without PATS? I've searched everything in my area and there are none of the 1996/1997 explorers.

 

Ford only used the 302/5.0l in the Explorers after 1996, F-series trucks and cars got modular V8s
Earlier uses of the fuel injected 302s had tall intakes , explorers is low to fit in explorer and ranger

You could get an earlier fuel injected 5.0l and computer from manual trans vehicle, no PATS and then get an explorer upper and lower intake, if the one it comes with won't work

 

Is there anyway you know offhand what engines I would be able to use and what years of the vehicles they came with like you were explaining? Like the earlier fuel injected 302's. If it's not a problem for you at least. I appreciate all the knoedge you're laying down for me lol. It means a lot

 

The Explorer really is the best bet for fitment. Not only is the intake arrangement a better fit, but the front end drive is significantly shorter and fits perfectly in the Ranger engine compartment. I'd go that route and then deal with the speedometer and PATS separately. If nothing else, you could rig up the PATS receiver with one of the Explorer keys to just bypass the system (can mount it behind the dash wherever it's convenient) and use a plain metal key to start the truck in your existing ignition switch.

 

If you use a motor out of something else, you're still going to need well over $1000 worth of Explorer 5.0 parts

The 5.0 out of anything else is to long and to tall.

You'll need everything on the "WHAT YOU"LL NEED" list from that other site, plus everything and I mean everything, off of the front, top and bottom of the Explorer 5.0

With an Explorer you'll get everything you need,

Don't forget, it can be a wrecked or rollover Explorer, as long as the front is good, check wrecking yards.

 

Also look for Mercury Mountaineer, same as Explorer from 1997-2001

1985 to 1995 Fords that had EFI and 302 engine option
Mustangs
E-series(Vans)
F-series
Lincoln Mark VII

 

Thank you all for the help. This is my first engine swap and I'm really thankful you all are just pouring everything my way. Ill definitely look for those years for the fords and definitely that mercury especially if it's the same as an explorer, and from what was said in the thread that it's the only thing that really fits perfectly. I have searched everywhere for a M5OD-R2 transmission and I cannot find it anywhere near me so it'll be a while to gather all the parts. Ill get back any of you if I have any questions on this thread. Is there a buying/selling section on this forum?

 

M5OD-R2 is often sold and/or listed as M5R2

Ranger uses M5R1

Just a heads up when looking

 

Sweet thank you. Ill check it out right now

 

If the M5OD isn't a 4wd transmission does that matter if i want to keep 4wd?

 

If you want to keep 4wd, you should either buy a 4wd version of the M5OD-R2 that you need, or buy a 2wd version and a donor transmission to swap the parts from. FYI - swapping those pieces will require significant disassembly.

 

Thank you! This is gonna be a blast when it's done. I can't wait

 

Is there any visible way on the outside to tell if it is 4wd or 2wd? Some don't specify

 

A 2wd transmission will neck down like a cone to where the rear driveshaft connects. 4wd will have an extension housing with a flat flange where the transfer case bolts to it. Just like your current Ranger transmission, if you want to look underneath for comparison.

 

Okay thank you.

 

Pictures here of 2WD and 4WD M5R1s, which are smaller but look the same as the M5R2: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...smission.shtml

As CalebJ said, 2WD tail comes down to a point, 4WD is larger, to bolt transfer case to

 

I see it now. Thank you both so much this has been a lifesaver with this stuff lol.