I have a 98 4.0l 4x4 with a bad automatic transmission and a 95 4.0l 4x4 with a manual transmission. Can I convert the newer model to the manual. Am I forced to use the older engine and harness? It has 270000 miles. Not able to park them next to each other to compare.

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, you can swap the 1995 manual trans into the 1998
Need a new(or used) 1998 flywheel, The crank in the 4.0l used 6 bolt crank/flywheel until 1996 , it was then changed to 8 bolt crank, so 1995 flywheel won't work on 1998 engine
Change rear main seal, always, when you can on the 4.0l OHV

You need to swap computers, but not harness, computers come with or without automatic shifting software, you can use current computer but CEL(check engine light) will come on and stay on because it can't "see" the shift solenoids in an automatic
You need to swap clutch/brake pedal assemblies, I think '95 thru '06 were the same
Above clutch pedal area will be the clutch switch plugin, it will be plugged in to the Automatic trans By-Pass harness, all Rangers are wired as manuals, so you need to unplug the By-Pass and plug connector into the Clutch switch on the clutch pedals push rod, starter won't work without this

And you probably need to change starter motor, I think manual and automatics used different models, for different ring gears, wiring is the same

Steering column swap is up to you, you will still have the automatic column shifter there

The length of 4x4 transmissions should be the same, manual or automatic, so drive lines should work as is


The 1995 engine and transmission/transfer case, if running, have some value, can you sell them and use the money to rebuild the 1998 automatic
IMO it's better to stay with an automatic, and there is lots of info and videos on how to rebuild these yourself, google: 5R55E rebuild
The 4R55E and 5R are basically the same transmission, so you will see them in the same searches, 4R44E/5R44E are as well, they were just used on the 3.0l and 2.3l engines and had smaller overdrive drums

 

 

Will the computer from the 95 work in the 98? Due to the ridiculous price we pay for fuel ($6+/gallon) I am looking to optimize fuel economy as much as possible. Additionally some day I may convert to a small diesel like a tdi. My wife is tired of me borrowing her transportation and I want my kids to be competent with a manual.

 

Good heads up Fordzilla80

Just look over my wiring diagrams and never noticed they dropped the "Clutch triple function switch jumper" from 2002 to 2003 diagrams

 

You would be better off with a 1998 Manual trans computer than the 1995, Alaskans can be very self sufficient so I would ask around and check local listings for people who can program Ford EEC-V computers, they can delete the auto trans software from your current computer, and set up tuning for best MPG as well.
Speed shops, and places that do Dyno tuning usually have that software or know who does

 

I have both copies, and I spent hours tracing the circuits to figure out the differences. People always talk about the wiring changes in 2004, but they really started in 2003.