Total engine and drivetrain swap

don4331 · Feb 16, 2014

Bobby:

I prefer to be know as lazy, cheap or brand loyal for doing a stock Explorer swap rather than an idiot.

GreatZero:

While fighting through the rat's nest of the Ranger's dash wiring to install the power windows/locks; I was dismayed to find that Ford used 4 different GEMs modules. 1. 2WD without power group (no windows/locks); 2. 2WD with power group (which I need for windows/locks); 3. 4WD (electronic transfer case shifting)(will also work as replacement for 1 or 2; lucky for me, I took the 4WD one when I pulled the wiring); 4. Electric Ranger.

So, if you want a 4WD Ranger as part of your conversion; grab the GEMs.

Don

GreatZero · Mar 1, 2014

I want to keep the cab as stock as possible, roll-my-own windows as well. However, I know that with a manual I will need to install a tac. I don't know if I want to get a custom add-on, or change out the dash display. From ya'lls wiring nightmare discription, it sounds like less is best.

Financially, I had a set back. The state inspection is due, and in order to get it to pass, I had to have the front ball joints replaced, and an engine monitor sensor. Plus, I need to set aside for tires on the GLK. Not cheap.

For installing the clutch pedal, are the cabs universally set to receive the change (existing holes)?

I do like the idea of an ecoboost, however, earlier posts mentioned the 3.7 duratech.

As for tranny's, it will be a task to find a set-up to serve the purpose, and still have the shifter line up with the hole. Did the 4x4 Ranger come available with a manual? If so, getting the 4x4 frame and tranny, and just do the engine change and cab swap. Changing from the 4.0 to the 3.7 should not need a drivetrain upscale, I am assuming. Hp realativly similar...? If I go 302, will the same drivetrain still take it?

Mac · Mar 1, 2014

I'd say stick with the 302/5.0 to greatly reduce any wiring problems. The instrument panel to get a tack is a simple remove/replace. The F-150 does have a shifter hole location more suited to a Ranger depending on what year, several here know what years are better.
Dave

RangerSVT · Mar 1, 2014

Since you have welding capabilities, I suggest this. Find a 96-97 awd 5.0 explorer, light wreck or rollover would be cheaper/better without frame damage. Wiring is 98% plug n play. Pull the explorer body, leaving the rolling chassis with drivetrain. Install manual tcase and manual trans, then mount your cab onto the frame, modifying the cab mounts as needed. You will need to lengthen the frame past the cab, which you could do by cutting your rear ranger frame and adding it the explorer frame, or use channel or tubing. This may sound like more work, but consider swapping to a 4x4 frame, fabbing the motor mounts, and swapping in the drivetrain. With using the explorer frame the motor is already set in place, front axle/suspension is done, just install the cab. The cab will need to come off either way.
You could do SAS, but the higher you go, the less fuel economy you'll have. With SAS you will need to cut off pretty much everything off the framerails except the motor mount platform...

SVT

GreatZero · Mar 1, 2014

Thank you for the informative input. Now I just need the money to put it into action.

RangerSVT · Mar 1, 2014

Solid Axle Swap...

SVT

dangerranger83 · Mar 1, 2014

Solid Axle Swap or Straight Axle Swap.

Such axles would be the D30, D44, D60, etc...

Look under the non ranger axles section or in the tech library on that.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

bobbywalter · Mar 3, 2014

don4331 said:
Bobby:

I prefer to be know as lazy, cheap or brand loyal for doing a stock Explorer swap rather than an idiot.

GreatZero:

While fighting through the rat's nest of the Ranger's dash wiring to install the power windows/locks; I was dismayed to find that Ford used 4 different GEMs modules. 1. 2WD without power group (no windows/locks); 2. 2WD with power group (which I need for windows/locks); 3. 4WD (electronic transfer case shifting)(will also work as replacement for 1 or 2; lucky for me, I took the 4WD one when I pulled the wiring); 4. Electric Ranger.

So, if you want a 4WD Ranger as part of your conversion; grab the GEMs.

Don

considering i am an idiot....dont think of it as an insult...

but i also am lazy and cheap..... if your lazy and cheap...the shortcut is a ls platform for powertrain.....

fitting a f150 ttb k member is the idiot in me....and i can see me doing that. so i would not have to raise ride height too far.... fitting a current 3.7 powertrain to round it out ftw of course....get all the generations covered in one swoop :yahoo:

i would not use the explorer frame unless i had to. the cab dont line up too easily on it when i looked into that some years ago......lazy would overide the intelligence of that option and do the idiot ttb 150 fitup.

Total engine and drivetrain swap

don4331

Well-Known Member

GreatZero

New Member

Mac

Well-Known Member

RangerSVT

Oct 09 OTOTM

GreatZero

New Member

RangerSVT

Oct 09 OTOTM

dangerranger83

5.0 HO under the hood!!!

bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff

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