Are all 4.0L OHV's interchangeable?

[swtjames23]

Ok, so here's the situation. I purchased a 95 Ranger XLT 4.0L V6 that needs a new motor. The purchase included a 4.0L V6 in the bed that I have now identified as an 90TM-AB casting.

My question is, will the 90TM-AB block bolt right in to the '95 Ranger? My initial research has left me with the answer "No". I have the original wiring harnesses for both motors. I need help from the experts in here.. what are my options?

 

[swtjames23]

Bump. Any advice is appreciated

 

[AgPete139]

I have no experience swapping 4.0L, but hopefully someone can chime in.

Bump.

 

[snoranger]

It wont directly bolt in. The motor mount brackets wont bolt onto the block. The older blocks dont have the same holes as the newer bolcks. You may be able to drill new holes in the mounts and bolt them on.

 

[dangerous_rangerous]

I'm going to say yes it will. I put a 93 block in my 95. I'm pretty certain that first gen (90tm) ran up to 94. My motor mounts bolted directly. the 95 had the original motor and the 93 donor was the original as well. To clarify I even used the 95 mounts on the 93 block.

 

[brinker88]

You should be able to swap to the newer motor mounts. They should mount the same way on the frame. I wouldnt drill new holes in the original.

btw, You can only change SOME heads of different years.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24I know there there are 3 types..

90tm (1990-1992), 93tm (1993-1995) and 95tm (1995-???)..

the 90tm and 93tm have the same compression, but the 93tm is suposivly stronger..6789

Some years have different combustion chambers which will make the vehicle run like shit. Hope this helps

 

[snoranger]

Whoops, I was thinking Explorer (IFS in '95). The Ranger was still TTB in '95. The motor mounts should be the same. Sorry about that.

 

[aspevacek]

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/2356/rebuilding_the_ford_40l_pushrod_v6.aspx

that link should answer any questions you have about the 4.0l OHV and what is different year to year.

 

[swtjames23]

Thanks aspevacek,

I've actually read that article numerous times now, it's posted right here on TRS in the tech library.

However, (and I may be slightly challenged ) this part is what confuses me:

"BLOCKS
There have been three blocks used for the 4.0L. Each one is unique in some way, so none of them can be interchanged."

Does that mean the block can't be interchanged with the rest of the engine or with the trucks themselves? I apologize if I'm being stupid, I just want to be sure before I tear my truck apart with the wrong motor to put in.



Dangerous_rangerous:

If I'm understanding you correctly, you bolted a 90TM-AB block into a truck that originally had a 95TM-AB block?

 

[dangerous_rangerous]

yes that is correct i even used the 95 mounts. Ill even take it one step further. i used the 95 heads on the 90 block. The motors are all interchangeable. They only added a few mounting bolt holes to the blocks as they got newer thats the main thing. they changed heads and some internals but the basic design is all the same so all parts will work from the 90tm up to the 98tm. the most extensive thing you might have to do is drive a new hole in the motor mount that bolts to the block.

 

[swtjames23]

Awesome, thank you. I'm tearing it apart on Saturday morning, hopefully it'll be running by Monday night.

Dangerous: Did you rebuild your replacement motor or anything like that before swapping? If so, how long did it take you?

 

[dangerous_rangerous]

yeah it took about 2 weeks as i had machining done. Bored cammed decked shaved. new valves and valve job. assembly is pretty easy if everything is there and ready to go it shouldn't take you more than a couple hours to put it back together and a couple to drop it in and hook it up.

 

[swtjames23]

So, if I drop in the '92 motor do I need to use the '92 wiring harness and/or computer? Or can I just drop it in and plug it in to what's in the engine bay?

 

[snoranger]

Use the computer, harness, intake, sensors, exhaust manifolds, etc from the truck that the engine is going into.

 

[swtjames23]

I understand, thank you.