Easiest 3.0 to 4.0 swap

I have a 2000 3.0 auto 4x4 Extended cab ranger. What models of explorer and rangers would make the swap the easiest? Would computers from 98 explorer sports work? Reason for asking, I have found some Possible donors on craigslist, but not exactly 2000 4x4 Rangers. Also if I have to go to the JY, I need options for parts needed.

I know this has been beat to death, but most info I have found has been for earlier years than 2000.

Thanks

Karl

Since you have a 2000 you have the PATS system, so you will need atleast a 99 and up ranger or a 99 - 00 explorer to make it simple. that way you can swap over the computer and the steering column and not have to take it to the dealer and have to reflash the system.

You may be able to use a 96- 98 ranger or explorer as well but I don't know what affect it would have on the PATS system...

As for parts... Computer, wiring harness, complete engine and transmission... But if possible get a whole parts vehicle. the only problem is that you can find em cheap with like blown trannies and stuff but you are in need of a transmission snice your 3.0L trans won't bolt up...

could I use the older Engine and Transmission Say 4.0 and transmission from 97-98 Explorer or ranger but get the computer from a 2000 Ranger? I have found multiple engines ranging from 97-04 and transmissions in the same range. What would be most important to keep the PATS happy? Computer from 2000 Ranger Auto? Otherwise I would have to have it flashed correct? Or could I somehow just go with the older computer and "Forget" or "Override" the pats and not have that to worry about. The truck i am working on is for hunting and stuff. Because both the engine and transmission are shot, I though I would try the 4.0. Most everything looks like the cost for either is about the same.

spitse said:

could I use the older Engine and Transmission Say 4.0 and transmission from 97-98 Explorer or ranger but get the computer from a 2000 Ranger? I have found multiple engines ranging from 97-04 and transmissions in the same range. What would be most important to keep the PATS happy? Computer from 2000 Ranger Auto? Otherwise I would have to have it flashed correct? Or could I somehow just go with the older computer and "Forget" or "Override" the pats and not have that to worry about. The truck i am working on is for hunting and stuff. Because both the engine and transmission are shot, I though I would try the 4.0. Most everything looks like the cost for either is about the same.

Click to expand...

No you can't the computer from a 2000 has the pats system and is not compatible with 98 and older vehicles. Plus in general you want to keep the whole system from a truck in one. As in a 97 engine needs a 97 computer, as does the transmission, now I believe 95 - 97 should all be interchangable parts so a 97 engine with a 95 or 96 computer as long as its from a 4.0L/auto. A 3.0L computer will not work for a 4.0L.

And the PATS system (Passive anti-theft system) is only kept happy with 99+ engines and computers and steering columns/w key. Basically its like newer vehicles, they put a computer chip in the key that is matched up with the computer in the truck so when you turn the truck on the computer recognizes the computer chip in the key and allows the truck to start. if you swap out the computer that has a different code then they key the truck will not start (it cuts off fuel or spark). You would have to take it to a dealer and have them reflash the system to match the key and computer and its not cheap.

Well if the truck is for hunting you should just swap in a complete older combo and eliminate the theft system... Infact I would find an older explorer as they are cheap to come by rolled and stuff and then just swap everything over. Heck you could swap in a carbed v8 if you wanted since it won't really see emissions.

OK, I have found a 2000 Explorer sport 4x4 with a 4.0. Would this be a good candidate? It is listing for $600. It is a rollover and the passenger front wheel was ripped off. The seller says it "Should" run, he thinks the reason it is not firing up is because of the rollover switch. He is not a mechanic and really does not want to put much time into it, he just wants it gone.

Now I have to convince my wife that this is the best option. She does not want to add a 4th vehicle, rolled, to the other 3 we have now. On the money side, it is. The engine and trans needs replacement/rebuilding in my ranger now. Rebuilding is way out of my league. Salvage motors and trans for the 3.0 are going to be about $600, more with the salvage warranty. I thought I may even break even if I part out the rest like the axle and such.

In reality how difficult is this going to be for a nubie. I can and have done part swaps and such, but this is way bigger. My wife thinks I will just stand there and never get started, she may be correct, she knows me better than I thought. I may be at this alone as there really is nobody that I can bribe, or want to bribe around to help. I believe I can do this after reading all the stuff here, although it is for more pre 2000 in the tech forum, but the people I speak to around home/family really try and put a damper on the possibility.

What tools and stuff would I need to rent/buy? I know a motor hoist. Do I need to have more that 2 jack stands (like for the back) to have the vehicle X inches off the ground for the trans removal? What else? I have a ATV jack I thought I could use to drop the trans. I have some basic tools like sockets and wrenches but having the correct tools is everything. I just don't know what I need.

Thanks for the replies

Well I got the exploder and am in the process of starting the swap. My freetime has been shortened because my wife and I just had our second child. So sometimes I feel like I am a single father distracting our 2.5 year old son. Kudos out there to all the single parents, Your job is more tough than most think.

So I am at the point to hook up the chains, but not sure where. They are not official engine chains, but should work. I also would like to pull both engine and trans at the same time. Where would you mount them? Can I go around the exaust manifold and cross to the opposite side in the back?

Other question is do I need to get the body harness off the doaner? The 3.0 was a flex and the 4.0 is not so I am not sure about that issue. There should not be an issue from the computer because that will be swapped, but what about the alcohol sensor on the flex harness?

The swap is finished. I am quite proud of the progress made by someone not the most mechanically inclined. I am driving the ranger with the 4.0 sohc. Many things I thought were going to be hard, were easy and what I thought would be easy, became hard.

I have a few things to finish up the swap. I need to hooke up and find the pin the Oil Pressure Sensor (I assume because it does not work, Drivers side just behind the crank shaft, white plug, used ranger power harness, not explorer). Put back the skid plate. Get the exaust finished (I cut the exaust just after the cats because all bolts seized and was very frustrating). Switch the Door Locks.

Some other things I need to do. There is a squeel somewhere on the belt, need to hunt the source. Swap out seats, remove and clean the carpet and maybe get the deoderizer for the air system. There are a few other things I am sure, but this is just what I know of now.

This site really helped with getting prepared, thanks for the great site.