Newbie 3.0 swap ?'s


1pokeyRanger

15+ Year Member

Joined
Sep 21, 2008
Messages
31
Points
3,101
City
Colorado
Vehicle Year
2000
Transmission
Automatic
Newbie surfin the site for a couple weeks.. Good info!

Have a couple questions. As known the 3.0 is a dog. I use the 2000 Ranger (new to me ) for work, do about 30k miles year. I carry 300-500 pounds in the truck at all times with a topper.

Found an Explorer 2000 Explorer for cheap and was thinking of the 4.0 swap & axles.

1)The auto trannies are the same right?
2)What about the front axle...swap it too?
3)Can I use my Xfer case for the Hi/Lo as well?
4)Will/Can the Explorer driveshaft fix that thud thing at stops/go?

My Ranger has 67k, the Explorer has 100k. good to go or need rebuild before swap on the Explorer stuff?

Many Thanks for the input.:yahoo:
Cheers.
Steve
 
1)AS far as i know the trannies are different
2)not sure about front axles
3)transfer case SHOULD swap
4)The thud is more than likely just a u joint, it would be easier to fix that instead of swapping drive shafts
 
1pokeyRanger said:
Newbie surfin the site for a couple weeks.. Good info!

Have a couple questions. As known the 3.0 is a dog. I use the 2000 Ranger (new to me ) for work, do about 30k miles year. I carry 300-500 pounds in the truck at all times with a topper.

Found an Explorer 2000 Explorer for cheap and was thinking of the 4.0 swap & axles.

1)The auto trannies are the same right?
2)What about the front axle...swap it too?
3)Can I use my Xfer case for the Hi/Lo as well?
4)Will/Can the Explorer driveshaft fix that thud thing at stops/go?

My Ranger has 67k, the Explorer has 100k. good to go or need rebuild before swap on the Explorer stuff?

Many Thanks for the input.:yahoo:
Cheers.
Steve
Click to expand...


1) The transmissions use completely different bellhousings, and are slightly different internally. The 3.0 will have a 4R44E (which was used behind the 4 cylinder as well) and the Explorer will have either a 4R55E or 5R55E, which are used behind the 4.0.

2) The front axle assembly will be the same, but it may have a different gear ratio. If it's the same, you're fine, otherwise you can't swap it. Also to note is whether or not your 2000 Ranger has the vacuum setup or the fulltime setup. If it's vacuum, the front axleshafts are incompatible, if its a fulltime setup, you'll be fine.

3) Your transfer case will be fine.

4) You need more diagnosis as to what the thud is.
 
How much of a pain is a 4.0 swap into a ranger that had a 3.0? Sorry, don't mean toHi-Jack the thread.
 
not. most people suggest only using a manual transmission. but to install a 4.0 you need to swap, engine, transmission,cpu, engine harness. maybe, drive shaft.
 
I'm on the fence here. The $700 explorer could make a good donor, but I guess from the input I need more info on the type of 4wd system. It sounds good for a 4.0 engine with better axles for the $700 + my labor, but if it mine aint broke.....
 
$700.00... Picture this:
Single inlet dual exhaust Flowmaster.
Accel coil pack.
K&N Replacement air filter (not cold air intake. Your truck comes with it already.
Or just a computer programmer for about $450.00.
Be my guest.
 
the exploders front diff will be the same as yours (aside from possibly gear ratio). there would be no strength advantage in swapping it. the rear axle would be a considerable upgrade, but you would have to flip the spring perches over for it to mount under your truck (cutting, welding, pinion angle aligning), as well as attaching some shock mounts. of coarse if the explorer has different gearing than your ranger that makes things a little more complicated as you'll have to regear one axle to match.

it costs money to go fast, and it would take quite a bit to catch the 3.0 up to the torque that the 4.0 would put down. but you also have to consider the hit you would take in fuel economy.
 
maybe I'll just get some different gears. Less of a PIA. I'd like some 4.27, but it looks like either 4.10 or 4.56 might be the only options. If the 3.0 can run 300k miles it makes sense to keep it and deal with it.
 
what size tires are you running? unless you have 31"+, 4.56's are probably a little steep for what you need.
 
that's why I think 4.27 would be good and keep it in the powerband for this engine. I have to keep manually shifting the auto on any hills here in Colo. I think for the expense and trouble the 4.10 would'nt be enough from my 3.73's.
I run 235.75.15 tires. I do have to keep in mind this isn't my F350 diesel that will do any speed on any hill..
 
i wouldnt run 4.56's with 29" tires...but its really up to you. 4.10's would be a much better match and if your lucky, you can find a whole axle with 4.10's already in it for cheap from a junkyard.

i have 3.73's with 31's and i have yet to encounter a hill that i couldnt maintain my speed on by downshifting...and ive been all over the north side of the continent.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Sponsored Ad

TRS Events & Gatherings

Where We Were in 2025 – The Ranger Station

Latest posts

Featured Rangers

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

TRS Latest Video

Official TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

Latest Album Photos

IMG_4690.JPEG
IMG_4689.JPEG
IMG_4688.JPEG
IMG_4679.JPEG
IMG_4656.JPEG
IMG_4625.JPEG
IMG_4562.JPEG
IMG_4561.JPEG
IMG_4560.JPEG
IMG_4559.JPEG
IMG_4558.JPEG
IMG_4445.JPEG

Product Suggestions

Back
Top