Looks like a 96 or 97 to me. What do you want to do with it?

 

You'd face some challenges putting it in a 2004. Return vs. returnless fuel system and a very different electrical system. Still possible though, I would think.

 

Do it! Then document everything so I can do it too haha

 

lol what a turd.

 

what?

 

It's the computer controlled cluster on your 2004 that would make me hesitate. It communicates directly with the PCM on 2004+ Rangers but the Explorer PCM won't be talking. If you reverted to an earlier cluster, that would take care of the communication. The problem remaining is that the entire wire harness was changed and rerouted for 2004 and will not match up with the earlier dash stuff. Getting the wiring right could turn into a very big job.

 

other than backdating an 04 truck, is there any reason not to simply pull ALL the PCM/engine wiring out of the explorer and use it?

 

probly so with the cluster issue, but since youre buyin the whole truck its there for the taking

 

Yes, except for some adustments to the VSS and PATS, that is exactly what I did on my 03. The problem with swapping into an 04 and later is that there are a lot more incompatibilities in the rest of the electrical system.

If you transplanted the engine/trans harnesses, PCM, cluster and parts of the dash harness from the Explorer and then matched it all up to the rest of the 04 Ranger electrical system, it should be possible. Sounds like a real nightmare though.

 

I got my 4x4 lights to work too, but I wouldn't attempt that lol. Props if you do it though!

 

good luck....i don't mind wiring, but that freaks me out...

 

Ohh heck, wiring isnt a problem.. just cut the harness off, and start splicing random wires and ends together.. then plug them into random electrical holes until it goes BLEEP and BOOP and lights start blinking!!


Actually, I do agree on thsi part, might be better to look for a slightly newer engine before trying to tackel that.. but if ya think about it, if you manage to put that sucker into yours, it would make for a pretty nice ranger all around

 

only one way to find out how much of a PITA this is gonna be...


do it!!

 

This reminds me of a weekend back in the college days when i put a 2.9L V6 from a 1988 Bronco II into my 1985 Bronco II, which had a 2.8L. By the time I was done, I had spent nearly 40 hours between Friday night and Sunday evening working on it. Changed everything - engine, trans, transfer, exhaust, fuel pump and some lines, AND the entire vehicle wiring harness back to the tail lights. Full dash, you name it!

Not fun, but not too bad either. (I would probably not do that again though..)