V8 engine swap

rodriguelance250 · Jun 22, 2017

Just bought a 99 Ford Explorer with the 5.0 AWD.. I am swapping the v8 into my 98 ford ranger that had the 4.0 and a blown tranny looking for a list of things I will need that aren't on the explorer.... and I want to keep the ranger 2wd....I am new to forums

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RonD · Jun 22, 2017

Welcome to TRS

Bookmark this page: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

Loads of "been there done that" info from members here.
Check out Conversions at bottom of the page

You will need a 2WD 4R70W transmission from a 5.0l engine
The AWD 4R70W won't hold vehicle in Park unless front drive line is connected, yes odd but true.

The 1999 5.0l computer can only control a 4R70W transmission.
Since bellhousing is not easily detachable it also needs to be from a 5.0l engine
Explorers used the 4R70W from 1996 to 2001
1997–2001 Mercury Mountaineer

rodriguelance250 · Jun 23, 2017

Thanks for the reply someone told me that the AWD 4R70W can be converted to 2wd not sure how true this is

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RonD · Jun 23, 2017

Well it is true, but no is the best answer

You can change any automatic for use in 2WD or 4WD and visa versa with complete tear down and replacement of main shaft, so it can be done, just not cost effective.
You can sell the AWD trans/transfer case and use that money for 2WD trans

85_Ranger4x4 · Jun 23, 2017

Yeah, the main shaft is like the first part in and the last part out of the trans.

bobbywalter · Jun 23, 2017

in the case of the 4r70w it can be cost effective. if your familiar with them its really easy to do. if i have a good known unit i do it. of course thats going in the other direction....2wd to 4x4...the be controls kit is installed on the aod type in that situation as well.

there is also a shitload of f150/250 2wd with 351 and 302 and 300 6 engines that may have had an aode or 4r70w in them.....

2wd aode or 4r70w is not a problem to find. likely the most abundant out there.

chvlfrk · Jun 24, 2017

????

RonD said:
The AWD 4R70W won't hold vehicle in Park unless front drive line is connected, yes odd but true.

===============
Hey Ron.......could you be a little more detailed on this?

I've been drivin my 98 with the same above conversion usin a 00 Expo as donor. I removed my front driveshaft to run different size tires on front and kept the Ranger torsion bars & removed the blocks from on top the rearend to keep the 2wd street stance and have had no such issue.

RonD · Jun 24, 2017

I can't, never had one

The connection to the rear wheels via the AWD transfer case is direct, so Park Pawl should hold regardless of front drive line being connected or not
Front drive shaft is chain drive but via a viscous coupling, so I could see rear drive shaft removal causing slipping in Park

But people have reported "creeping" with front drive line disconnected, not a full disconnect, just a movement over distance depending on slope.
Some could be discounted on Ford shifter issues, common problem, not fully in Park, but all reports.........??

Disassembled view of BW4404 AWD transfer case seen here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/school-me-and-you-on-viscous-couplings-bw4404.225515/

I don't see a way it could slip the Park pawl, but hard to discount all the stories
And certainly worth a "heads up" to someone considering not having front drive shaft installed

rodriguelance250 · Jun 27, 2017

Thanx for all the replies when I get a or build a 2wd tranny for the truck will the computer from the explorer with AWD have any negative affect on the conversion from AWD to 2wd

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don4331 · Jun 28, 2017

RonD:

Doesn't the 3.8 share the same bolt pattern as the 5.0? So, every 3.8/Auto Mustang is a candidate for the 4R70W.

Rodriguelance250:

Computer doesn't do any AWD controlling, so now impact with removal of the transfer case (or even just front driveshaft).

RonD · Jun 28, 2017

Yes, Essex 3.8l V6 RWD did use late-Windsor bell housing pattern, as did the later 4.2l V6 used in F-series trucks, so same as 5.0l(302) V8s

chvlfrk · Jun 28, 2017

??????

Ok guys...........gonna throw this out there, maybe showin my ignorance, but hey if ya don't ask, ya don't learn right..........

As I stated before, I removed my front drive shaft because of different tire size on front. What I did notice and this is my question:

When I removed the front drive shaft, the truck was of course in Park, when I went to remove the bolts from the front pinion, it moved, I could turn it by hand both directions.....WHY?

I had to use a bar to loosen the bolts on both ends.

And it does creep when parked on a STEEP incline, so I do have to use my E-Brake when parked that way.

V8 engine swap

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