I'm new here and I'm looking to swap out my 3.0 with a 5.0 on my 1999 4x2 Ranger. I am consulting with a smog "Referee" about how to do it smog legal. I'm looking for tech info on what is the best donor vehicle to use? I'm not interested in 4 wheel drive. I want the engine, auto trans, wiring harness and computer. I've been told to upgrade the radiator, get an oil filter re-locator and some motor mount conversions. I have also been told to "Dent" the heater box for valve cover clearance with a heat gun. Will the stock rear end be ok? I would appreciate any information.
Thank you,
Scott

 

Check with referee but I think the rules are that you must swap in the same year or newer engine.
So you need a '99 V8 or up.

Best way to do it is by getting an Explorer with V8, could be rusted out or have body damage(rolled) so you can get it at a good price.
You need the engine/trans, wiring harness and computer for the swap so...........
May want the rear axle as well, if yours is a 7.5", you want an 8.8" with a V8

And because it is '99 and up you will need the ignition key cylinder swapped into your steering column, you need to use the PATS keys for new computer to work so make sure you get all the keys they have for the explorer.

Mercury Mountaineer will work as donor vehicle, very similar to Explorer

Good read here on aspects of this swap: http://www.therangerstation.com/Maga..._v8_swap.shtml

 

Thanks RonD, Yes I do need a 1999 or newer. Can you tell me how to identify an 8.8 rear end. I'm not sure how to tell the difference.
Thanks,
Scott

 

Have a read here: Ford 7.5 & 8.8 Inch Axle Tag & Door Codes

It tells you how to find and then decode type of axles in Rangers
Door sticker, at the bottom

 

Thanks again RonD. I will check it out!
My local salvage yard has a 2001 Mountaineer that I think will "fill the bill" so to speak. They will even do the swap. Just waiting for a total amount for parts, or parts and swap.
Scott

 

I was able to get a 1999 5.0 with a 4x2 auto trans and an 8.8 rear axle for $1,500. It's out of an Explorer. They will give me back $200 for my 3.0 when I get it out. Let the fun begin!!!!
Scott

 

With computer and harness right?

 

Yes. It's even located in the same place!

 

One thing worth noting, The 1999 Explorer has 4 cats. You can't install used cats, they need to be new, so that's a bit of money!

 

Why do cats have to be new, just curious,thanks

 

I was told that in California you can't install cats from another vehicle, as in a salvage yard. Being that this a V8 conversion, it will be obvious to the referee that the cats are not new. I did not ask the referee but I was told by people who have done this they need to be new. I will ask the referee when he/she contacts me and let you know for sure.

 

yes, I would ask, if the cats are from the donor vehicle I think they can be used, if they can pass emissions test of course.

I don't believe salvage yards can sell Cats for reuse only for recycling

 

I spoke with the referee today and he told me I can't use old cats. They must be new. He said they must be California legal but not to worry about the engine family number as it's going into a different vehicle. If the engine came out of a vehicle with one cat, then it must have one cat. If it had 2 cats then it must have 2 cats. If it had 4 cats it must have 4 cats etc. Also worth noting, the evap system must be the same as the donor vehicle. This includes a pressure sensor in the gas tank. Fortunately, my Ranger has one and it's the same part number, however the canister is a different number. It can be located anywhere on the vehicle I choose, it just has to match. Lastly, the check engine light must work properly. Makes sense. So that's what I learned today!
Scott

 

Worth noting, I double checked with my salvage yard about the 5.0 being a 1999 or newer and it turns out it was a 1998. Just saved myself a LOT of trouble. The referee explained to me that they connect the vehicle to a computer and have it run a self diagnostic. If anything fails it must be fixed. It would have read 1998 Ford Explorer. Fail before we even get started.
Scott

 

The PCM(computer) is where the model year comes from, outside of block or head casting numbers it is hard to tell what year an engine is.