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Best Donor Vehicle?


The Slider

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I am thinking about getting ready to do a 2.9l to a 5.0 swap. I have a Automatic and want to keep it automatic. What is the BEST vehicle to get most of your parts you would need to for the swap?

Thanks!
Chaz.
 


whwaufmaio

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I think it totally depends on what you want to do with it. could be totally wrong, but probably the Exploder is the "simplest", I went with the SN95 because it was cheap and available and had the T5 trans I wanted.

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85_Ranger4x4

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Explorer can get you both engine and trans (2wd's are not common but out there) and rear axle. And are cheap.

SN95 I would suspect you would have to about run into a wreck to get one cheap.

Explorer has a better intake and slightly better belt system. SN/fox/80's land yacht would probably be closer to your truck electronically.

It is going to depend somewhat and what you want to do with it the thing too...
 

The Slider

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I'm not looking for SUPER SPEED. Just something BETTER than that horrible gutless 2.9l.. SO If i find and explorer 4WD (because mine is 4WD) That is the best? Sounds good to me! Mine is a 1986 Auto 4WD.. What year Explorer would you recommend?

Thanks!
Chaz.
 

85_Ranger4x4

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I know the later ones have PATS which complicates the swap a little.

They didn't make a 4wd 5.0 Explorer, they were either AWD or 2wd. You can put a '150 t-case on the trans though.

I am not a big guru on late model engine swaps, my truck was original carbed so I ripped the intake and dizzy out of my crown vic engine and slapped on a 4bbl intake and Duraspark dizzy. A fuel injection swap would be a lot easier in your truck.
 

whwaufmaio

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I know the later ones have PATS which complicates the swap a little.

They didn't make a 4wd 5.0 Explorer, they were either AWD or 2wd. You can put a '150 t-case on the trans though.

I am not a big guru on late model engine swaps, my truck was original carbed so I ripped the intake and dizzy out of my crown vic engine and slapped on a 4bbl intake and Duraspark dizzy. A fuel injection swap would be a lot easier in your truck.
I converted my H.O to carb, don't like computers and I'm too impatient to go through wiring everything.

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You can have pats tuned out of the pcm with a custom tune.
 

85_Ranger4x4

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I converted my H.O to carb, don't like computers and I'm too impatient to go through wiring everything.
You are going to be doing that either way. 7 years and I finally got the last of the extra 2.8 wiring out of mine.

You can have pats tuned out of the pcm with a custom tune.
Yeah, it is an extra step though.
 

Craig0320

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My credo
Break it right the first time. Fix it better the next time.
Yeah, it is an extra step though.
It is not that big of a deal when everything is an extra step installing an engine into something where it wasn't originally supposed to be. :D
 

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95-97 5.0 Explorer won't have PATS, and it already has the compact accessories that will fit more easily in the Ranger engine bay.

You could also consider a 4.0 swap; it will bolt into the place of the 2.9 and give you more power.
 

85_Ranger4x4

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It is not that big of a deal when everything is an extra step installing an engine into something where it wasn't originally supposed to be. :D
You have to send it off and they do it and send it back... its all greek to me. :icon_twisted:

95-97 5.0 Explorer won't have PATS, and it already has the compact accessories that will fit more easily in the Ranger engine bay.

You could also consider a 4.0 swap; it will bolt into the place of the 2.9 and give you more power.
96-97, 5.0 wasn't available in '95.

First gen Explorer would be a good donor for a 4.0. You get the engine, trans, t-case and both axles out of one carcass. Possibly bucket seats and console too if you are so inclined. For a second gen you lose the front axle but everything else would be similar for interchangeability. Avoid the SOHC, in addition to reliability issues it is a more complex swap into a first gen.

I think I have heard rumblings the 4.0 is kinda different going into a first gen too, not as nice as going into a second but not impossible either.
 

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