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Explorer 302 swap into 97 ranger


armyhooker

armyhooker

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Just need a little help with my 302 swap. I'm in Afghanistan right now, plannin out a 302 swap for when I get home. Gonna get an explorer around the same year(97) , a zf5 tranny, and probably a bg1356 transfercase.

I got a pretty built sas'd ranger that's a lot of fun, but I need more power!!!

One thing I'm not sure of. Anyone gotten an explorer v8 into a ranger with AC, WITHOUT a body lift?
 


win

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armyhooker said:
Just need a little help with my 302 swap. I'm in Afghanistan right now, plannin out a 302 swap for when I get home. Gonna get an explorer around the same year(97) , a zf5 tranny, and probably a bg1356 transfercase.

I got a pretty built sas'd ranger that's a lot of fun, but I need more power!!!

One thing I'm not sure of. Anyone gotten an explorer v8 into a ranger with AC, WITHOUT a body lift?
Click to expand...
My 02 coil spring has a diff front suspension and uses a different set of engine mounts but the only clearance issues I had with my a/c was a slight interference between the Torque Monster header and the A/C evap at the orifice tube.

The Expo's evap is slightly different and would have eliminated that issue but I had a NIB evap so took that path. I did use the Expo air box for it's double layer of heat shielding, not sure if the profile of the box is any different tho.

Yea, it's TIGHT between the a/c and Torque Monster, but running the OEM manifolds would add a lot of clearance.

All bets are off with the 351 or even the 351 heads on the 302 but with the basic 302, you should not have a problem.
 
armyhooker

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sweet man, thanks. Good to know. What tranny are you using? I'm gonna run a zf5, 5 speed. So shifter location is also gonna determine how far forward I can go
 
win

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I stuck with the Expo's original rwd 4R70W (and a shocking long driveshaft!)

Think you'll find you've only got a few options to move the engine forward. The Expo FEAD is as compact as it gets and still leaves precious room to go forward.

Shifter location is one of the more common bug-a-boo's on the manual box V8 conversions.

You might need to consider moving the a/c condenser to in front of the radiator support and the radiator into the support rather than behind. Add in some compact electric fans and you'll get as much room as probably is possible.
 
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This swap is possible with AC and without a body lift. I've done it. Use the plate and 4.0 rubber mounts, and mount as close to the firewall as possible. Use either a mechanical or electric fan, preferably the taurus fan...

SVT
 
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