questions about explorer swap into 98 2wd ranger

AJ2012 · Aug 8, 2015

So I have a 1998 ranger xlt; 3.0, auto, coil spring. I'm about to pick up my donor truck, 98 explorer xlt awd, to start my swap. I'm making my own headers, and have the templates to make the adapter plates for the motor mounts. My questions are:

Can I use a 96-97 ecu to eliminate the PATS? I know there are transmission differences, but I have to buy a new one anyways.

What wiring would I have to adjust I the engine harness for it to work with my factory body harness?

Last but not least, how would I correct my speedo since the expo's use a vss in the trans and the ranger uses the abs vss in the differential?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

AJ2012 · Aug 17, 2015

Anybody??

Exploranger · Aug 17, 2015

No modifications needed for the speedo, the speed sensor on the transmission is only to control the trans. shifting. the speedometer still works off the VSS for the ABS in the rear end.

As far as the PCM goes I think the 97 Explorer will work just fine. I think the transmission shitting changes came in around 1999 or 2000. I don't have first hand knowledge, but that is what I remember from others. I used the 1997 Explorer as a donor, so I didn't have that issue. Someone correct me if I'm wrong

AJ2012 · Sep 7, 2015

Exploranger said:
No modifications needed for the speedo, the speed sensor on the transmission is only to control the trans. shifting. the speedometer still works off the VSS for the ABS in the rear end.

As far as the PCM goes I think the 97 Explorer will work just fine. I think the transmission shitting changes came in around 1999 or 2000. I don't have first hand knowledge, but that is what I remember from others. I used the 1997 Explorer as a donor, so I didn't have that issue. Someone correct me if I'm wrong

Thank you for replying. I picked up a 97 computer and fuel rails last weekend from a salvage yard. I'll be shipping out for a couple of weeks on a new job soon so when I get back I will be ordering my trans and stroker kit/aluminum heads. I need to find a donor ranger so I can get a dash harness with a GEM module for power windows/door locks. After that I will be making the headers and throw it all in. I'm really hoping to get it in the 11's with sticky tires atleast.

willy · Sep 7, 2015

The 97 computer works no need to change fuel rail
98 wiring will work just extend the 42pin plug
97 computer will work with 98 trans but the vss signal is missing so that will need figured out
Spedo will work as its truck side
To get the trans to shift right at wot you need the vss from an 96 or 97 awd case or 96 97 2wd transmission or you can do like me and run a bw4406 transfercase with the vss in the tail end
The 98 +trans is the better of the transmissions but wont shift right under wot without the speed signal

willy · Sep 7, 2015

The weak link is thr 4r70w if your going for 11s more power than the trans can handle id go for a non computer controled trans built to hold the power and have the trans functions tuned out of the 97 computer and all is well

AJ2012 · Sep 13, 2015

willy said:
The weak link is thr 4r70w if your going for 11s more power than the trans can handle id go for a non computer controled trans built to hold the power and have the trans functions tuned out of the 97 computer and all is well

I'm having the transmission built by the best guy in my city. It should be good for 700hp and his warranty stands even if I break it at the track, so I'm not too worried about that. Now I'm trying to figure out what abs system I need to go 4wabs with a 2wd. I'm already changing to spindles with bigger brakes and the provisions to mount a sensor I just need to figure out which module I can use. And if anyone has some torquemonster headers for sale feel free to chime in. I don't have time to make any at the moment and my main bearings are shot in my 3.0, so I need to get the swap done soon. Thanks for all the help so far though. I'll start posting progress pics once I get everything together.

questions about explorer swap into 98 2wd ranger

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