97 exporer 5.0 to 96 ranger 2.3 wiring


droptopls1

15+ Year Member

Joined
Sep 6, 2009
Messages
12
Points
3,101
City
Jacksonville, Fl.
Vehicle Year
1996
Transmission
Automatic
I have the whole explorer. does anyone have a pin to pin? I assume I have to change the wiring over from atleast the engine bay out. Are the wire colors different? If someone has the wiring diagram for both trucks could you send it to me? I have the haynes for the 96 ranger so I may have half a clue!
Thanks!
 
Best bet would be to purchase an EVTM for each vehicle. For a couple bucks, you'll save any guess work.

You'll be using the engine harness (from square connector near brake booster) and possibly the trans harness, not sure if they're seperate on the Ex (the Ranger is).
Physically, pretty simple.

I don't know an online source for the Ex diagrams.
 
Thanks ZEE

I have been looking on ebay for both of those wiring manuals. I could just remove the whole dash harness, but what a PAIN! I think I actually got lucky with the 2 trucks I am trying to put together being so similar. I swapped the gauge package into the ranger with the 2.3 and the only thing that doesn't light up anymore is the CIL for some reason. Must be on a different circuit. I also noticed the temp gauge starts at the halfway point but I figure that is due to a different sender on the v8 compared to the 2.3. I already swapped out the whole sterring column also (wanted the tilt wheel) and the connectors plugged right in. I will keep looking for a good deal on a wiring manual for both trucks. If nothing else I can pass the deal on to somebody here later!
 
I think talk of swapping the dash harness is just crazy. Mustang guys seems to do it when converting 4cyl cars. Crazy.

Your truck will have the same connectors, likely, as the Ex. So if needed, you'll just be either re-pinning a couple circuits, or cutting and soldering a few wires. Very simple work, and very easy to test.

(As an example, my truck has the same wiring as yours. I used the engine-side of the main conector from my 4.0 Ranger harness, removing most all of the 4.0 stuff, such as injectors, etc. My Mustang harness has three main plugs [two from driver's side, one from kick panel] that I simply removed and soldered the circuits to the wires exiting my Ranger engine harness plug. The whole thing is still removeable from the truck at the main connector, it's hooked up just like stock.)

Check autozone, you may find diagrams there (online, free)
 
I was kind of thinking the same way

I am actually an aircraft electronics technician by trade. (GO NAVY!) So I know how to read schematics. I got a winning bid on an EVTM for the Ranger, Still looking for a good price on the 97 Ex. Slowly making progress, want clean ride. Bought a set of 2002 mustang GT seats last night, ripped em apart washed the covers and man they look great!
I plan on pulling the engine from the Ex this weekend, so I can out new gaskets and bearings in it, Already ran great. I already bought 89 vert 302 mounts so I will test fit the motor before I go through it. Last part of the puzzle will be the wiring! I don't like the way the Ex headers are configured either, I may have to make a new set.
Thanks Again!
 
I now have the EVTM for the 96 ranger!!

Still looking for a good deal on the 97 Ex EVTM. If anyone out there needs some info or a page scanned just let me know I will send it to you!
 
If you don't mind spending a couple more bucks, the Harwood manual can be helpful. (www.harwoodperformance.com) It's $25, and you just download it.

It's based on a '93 Mustang harness, but it shows very clearly what circuits to tap into on the Ranger. Some of it (like fuel pump relay wiring) is really not necessy, as your Ranger already has it. But it may be a help when cross-referencing Ex EVTM to Ranger wiring. You'll know specifically what to look for. Just another resource that makes it quite easy.

Best of luck.
 
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