Explorer engine'trans into 98 Ranger

[stillwater]

I have a 98 Ranger 2WD with the 2.5 automatic, from a recent trade with a friend.
Also giving me his 96 Ranger 2WD, both short bed. 96 has no engine but a 5spd trans.

I was going to V8 the 96, with a 5.0 and the manual. However, I found out the frame is badly bent in the front end. That truck needs a WHOLE lotta work

I've read that the 98 Ranger accepts a 5.0 from an Explorer fairly easily with its smaller accessories. However I've seen on this site that there are some emissions/engine management issues to consider, however this seems to be a good swap.

My state is not concerned with emissions, therefore I need to know if anyone has done this type of swap, what I need to know (feel free to give references), and any needed info. I even considered a 5.8 swap but I understand this is a toughie (and that was w/ the 96. I wasn't expecting to swap the 98. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[fastpakr]

If you haven't read it yet, this is a great place to start:
http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/5_0_swap_in_newer_ranger.shtml

 

[RonD]

Yes, +1 ^^^ , go to that page and look in the Conversion section

5.0l manual trans will be the M5OD-R2, also call M5R2, Rangers used the smaller version, M5OD-R1(M5R1) which won't bolt to 5.0l

Best fit for Ranger will be an M5R2 from a 1997 and up F-150 with 4.2l V6, 2WD version if thats what you want
4.2l V6 has the same transmission bolt pattern as 5.0l, you need to make bell house bolt holes larger, 5.0l used SAE, 4.2l metric, so reem holes out a bit

The older M5R2s had the shifter farther forward so hits the dash in Rangers, need to custom bend the shift arm

 

[don4331]

Stillwater:

If you aren't indisposed to running an automatic in your 2wd '98; then you have the option of a relatively close to stock solution. The 4R70W found in a Mustang/F-150 4x2 with V-6 would bolt up in place of the Explorer's 4x4* version of the same.

Then all you need are the mounting plates and it is a bolt in. Then get the ignition codes removed and you're running (albeit with a V-8/auto).

*There are 4x2 Explorers out there with the perfect combo, but they are rather rare.