A headache of a 4.0 Swap

jgsalt · Oct 11, 2017

Hello All,
Looking for answer or two here to a headache of a problem I ran into in the middle of my swap.
I found a 1992 Ford Explorer with a dead transmission and a 4.0 for my dead 1990 Ford Ranger 2.9.
The original plan for my swap was to keep my FM-146 transmission and clutch for the time being until I could upgrade. About two bolts into it, I realized a mismatch and further investigation revealed that the motor is a 1998 4.0 OHV.
Is it still possible for me to use my transmission for the time being, just with the proper clutch kit and flywheel? Or does this require a new transmission altogether?
Thanks for any help!

adsm08 · Oct 12, 2017

You can still use the original trans for as long as it will live, but you couldn't have used the 2.9 clutch as it won't stand up to the 4.0 at all.

sgngfhg · Oct 15, 2017

adsm08 said:
You can still use the original trans for as long as it will live, but you couldn't have used the 2.9 clutch as it won't stand up to the 4.0 at all.

I've read that people have used the original clutch and starter just fine but they don't hold up well to off roading very well at all. The 4.0 has allot more torque I think you'll be allot happier if you just switch it while it's easy to get at. As far as wiring, that's probably going to be a nightmare compared to a pre 94 set up. I could Definetly be wrong but isn't the computer in a completely different location for that year, might have more security things to wire in too with dash/ignition switch. From what I read 91 wiring was easiest to use so that's what I used. Keep us posted either way and good luck.

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sgngfhg · Oct 15, 2017

sgngfhg said:
I've read that people have used the original clutch and starter just fine but they don't hold up well to off roading very well at all. The 4.0 has allot more torque I think you'll be allot happier if you just switch it while it's easy to get at. As far as wiring, that's probably going to be a nightmare compared to a pre 94 set up. I could Definetly be wrong but isn't the computer in a completely different location for that year, might have more security things to wire in too with dash/ignition switch. From what I read 91 wiring was easiest to use so that's what I used. Keep us posted either way and good luck.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Also forgot to add mine is an 87 Bronco ii 4.0 with fm145 with 4.0 clutch and starter

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

A headache of a 4.0 Swap

jgsalt

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adsm08

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sgngfhg

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sgngfhg

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