• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

98 Ranger 3.0 v6 to Explorer 5.0 v8 questions


ernest_pizza

New Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2017
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
I have a 1998 Ranger 4x4 with a manual transmission and the 3.0 v6. I've been planning to convert my 3.0 to a 5.0 v8, intending to keep it as a manual transmission with selectable 4wd (with a low range) and use EFI. Reading around on here I've put together a preliminary list of parts I'm going to need to swap into the ranger. My questions are: Will these parts work well together? Is there anything else I'd need to change/modify? Are there any other important considerations I'm overlooking?

Here's the list:

-1996-1997 Ford Explorer 5.0 AWD
-M5ODR2 transmission from a 1997-2003 F150 4.2 v6
-4x4 transfer case out of the same F150
-164 tooth flywheel/clutch/pressure plate/starter from a vehicle with the same parts as a 1996 F150

Thanks for any answers!
 


chvlfrk

December 2010 STOTM Winner
U.S. Military - Veteran
V8 Engine Swap
MTOTM Winner
Joined
Aug 9, 2007
Messages
1,168
Reaction score
31
Points
48
Age
65
Location
Niota, TN
Vehicle Year
98
Make / Model
Ranger XLT 5.0L
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0L
Transmission
Automatic
Tire Size
235/70R15 front / 275/60R15 rear
Suggestion>>>

I have a 1998 Ranger 4x4 with a manual transmission and the 3.0 v6. I've been planning to convert my 3.0 to a 5.0 v8, intending to keep it as a manual transmission with selectable 4wd (with a low range) and use EFI. Reading around on here I've put together a preliminary list of parts I'm going to need to swap into the ranger. My questions are: Will these parts work well together? Is there anything else I'd need to change/modify? Are there any other important considerations I'm overlooking?

Here's the list:

-1996-1997 Ford Explorer 5.0 AWD
-M5ODR2 transmission from a 1997-2003 F150 4.2 v6
-4x4 transfer case out of the same F150
-164 tooth flywheel/clutch/pressure plate/starter from a vehicle with the same parts as a 1996 F150

Thanks for any answers!
====================
98-01 Explorer has the better GT40 heads.
 

Craig0320

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 21, 2017
Messages
1,209
Reaction score
225
Points
63
Location
Mississppi
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Break it right the first time. Fix it better the next time.
98-01 explorer has the same speed sensor setup as your 98 ranger.
They also have a returnless fuel system same as 98+ ranger.
96-97 explorer speed sensor is in the tailhousing of the transmission. Were as the speed sensor is in the rear end on 98-01 explorers and 98-01 rangers.
Be careful on some 98 model explorers. I have seen them with the old style setup. They were built with the last production parts of 97. Only way to verify is to crawl under it and look.
 
Last edited:

fastpakr

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
U.S. Military - Veteran
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
7,987
Reaction score
2,789
Points
113
Location
Roanoke, VA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
285/75-16
Sounds like it's a choice between adding the PATS parts if you grab a '98+ Explorer or switching to a return fuel system if you go '96-97. To me, the '98+ option sounds easier.
 

Craig0320

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 21, 2017
Messages
1,209
Reaction score
225
Points
63
Location
Mississppi
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Break it right the first time. Fix it better the next time.
Sounds like it's a choice between adding the PATS parts if you grab a '98+ Explorer or switching to a return fuel system if you go '96-97. To me, the '98+ option sounds easier.
PATS isn't a big deal to wire in. Takes about two hours of wiggling in a tight space. It is in my write up that I linked so it will save you some time searching and trying to figure it out. It will save 150.00 because you will not need the pcm flashed. That's why I decided to wire mine in. Well, and because I like saving money :D. Also as mentioned previously the speed sensor stays the same with a 98+ explorer.
 

ernest_pizza

New Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2017
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
Okay sounds good, I'll aim to get a 99-01 explorer instead, thanks everyone. Does anyone have any thoughts on the transmission/t-case and associated parts or does all that look good? I've so far read that for the transmission I'm probably going to have to modify the shifter and I'm going to need a ford dealership to reset the ECU so the engine can work with a manual transmission.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top