Explorer 5.0 Engine Swap

Ford Explorer 5.0L V8 Engine Swap Guide (Ranger & Bronco II)

A 1996–2001 Explorer 5.0 Engine Swap into a Ford Ranger or Bronco II is one of the most proven and well-documented V8 conversions for Ford’s compact truck and SUV platforms. This page serves as a high-level overview and technical reference for Explorer 5.0 swaps, covering mechanical fitment, wiring, transmissions, fuel systems, and year-specific differences across Ranger and Bronco II generations.

The Explorer 5.0L is uniquely suited for these swaps because it combines the legendary Ford 302 with a compact accessory drive, factory EFI, hydraulic roller camshaft, and modern electronic transmission options like the 4R70W. These features allow the V8 to fit within the Ranger and Bronco II engine bays with fewer compromises than earlier carbureted or truck-based 5.0 engines.

This guide applies to:

• 1983–2011 Ford Ranger
• 1984–1990 Ford Bronco II
• 1996–2001 Ford Explorer 5.0L donors

Rather than replacing detailed build threads, this page explains the core requirements and decision points of an Explorer 5.0 swap—including motor mounts,
oil pan selection, transmission compatibility, PATS anti-theft issues, exhaust clearance, and wiring strategy—while linking to in-depth, step-by-step swap articles for specific model years.

1st-2nd Generation Ranger / Bronco II Swaps

Installing a 1996–2001 Ford Explorer 5.0L V8 into a Ford Ranger / Bronco II is a popular swap because the engine’s compact “front dress” (shorter water pump and accessories) provides essential clearance in the small engine bay.

Core Mechanical Requirements

Motor Mounts: Use specific V8 conversion mounts designed for the Bronco II/Ranger chassis, such as those from Advance Adapters or James Duff.

Oil Pan: A double-sump oil pan is typically required to clear the front crossmember and axle. While the Explorer pan can work, some installers use an early Bronco-style pan.

Transmission: The stock Bronco II transmission will not survive the V8’s torque. Popular choices include:

Automatic: The 4R70W that originally came with the Explorer 5.0, as the Explorer computer can control it directly.

Manual: An M5OD-R2 from a 1997–2003 Ford F-150 with a 4.2L V6 or 5.0L V8.

Transfer Case: The Explorer 5.0L is typically paired with a BW4404 AWD transfer case, which does not provide a low range and is not suitable for traditional 4WD use. For 4WD you’ll have to either replace it with a BW4406 or get an Advance Adapters 50-8404 kit and AOD to AODE shaft kit 716057 to adapt your stock Ranger transfer case to the Explorer 4R70W transmission. Most people use the BW4406 from a 1997-2004 Ford F-150 (with a 4.6L or 5.4L engine). Installing the BW4406 may require some minor frame clearancing on the Bronco II/Ranger chassis due to its larger size

Cooling: Use a high-efficiency aluminum radiator. You may need to notch the core support or heater plenum for clearance. The Explorer’s shorter water pump is critical for fitting a fan.

Wiring and Fuel System

Harness & ECU: To maintain Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), you must transfer the Explorer’s engine wiring harness and computer. This often requires thinning the harness to remove unnecessary circuits like rear O2 sensors or EGR.

Fuel System: The Bronco II’s low-pressure fuel system must be upgraded to a high-pressure EFI system (approx. 40-45 PSI). This includes adding a high-pressure pump and a return line to the fuel tank.

Anti-Theft (PATS): 1998–2001 Explorers have a Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). You will need the matching key and transceiver module, or have the computer professionally reprogrammed to bypass it.

Exhaust and Steering

Exhaust: Use the Explorers 5.0 exhaust manifolds. You can also use “Torque Monster” headers or specific conversion headers designed to clear the Ranger’s steering shaft and frame.

Steering: An oil filter relocation kit is often necessary because the stock filter location interferes with the Bronco II steering box.

Ford Ranger 5.0 Explorer Swaps

Installing an Explorer 5.0L V8 into a 1983–2011 Ford Ranger is considered the standard V8 swap for this platform because both vehicles share the same chassis architecture. The difficulty varies significantly depending on the year of your Ranger.

1. Year-Specific Requirements

1998–2011 Rangers: These are the easiest to swap as they share the same engine bay and suspension layout as the 5.0L Explorer. If your Ranger has a 3.0L or 4.0L, the engine can often “drop in” using the Explorer’s factory V8 mounts.

1983–1997 Rangers: These older “Square Body” and early aerodynamic models require specialized motor mount adapter plates to seat the V8 in the older chassis. You will also need a dual-sump oil pan and a matching pickup tube (commonly found on 1980+ 302 motors) to clear the front crossmember.

2. Transmission & Drivetrain

Automatic: Use the 4R70W transmission from the donor Explorer. It is electronically controlled by the Explorer’s ECU.

Manual: Since no 5.0L Explorer came with a manual, most installers use an M5OD-R2 from a 1997–2003 F-150 (4.2L V6 or 5.0L V8 model). This requires a custom clutch and flywheel setup.

Driveshaft: Depending on your cab and bed configuration, you may be able to use a stock Ranger or Explorer driveshaft, though some custom shortening or lengthening is common.

3. Transfer Case

Explorer 5.0L donors use the BW4404 AWD transfer case. Rangers equipped with 4WD typically replace this unit with a BW4406 from a 1997-2004 F-150 or use an Advance Adapters 50-8404 kit and AOD to AODE shaft kit 716057 to retain the factory Ranger transfer case. The BW4406 offers a traditional 2WD/4WD layout with low range but may require minor frame clearancing due to its larger physical size.

4. Wiring & Electronics

PATS (Anti-Theft): 1998+ Explorers have the Passive Anti-Theft System integrated into the computer. You must either use the Explorer’s key, transceiver module, and steering column, or have the ECU professionally flashed to delete the PATS.

Speedometer: On 2001+ models, the speedometer is controlled via the computer rather than a mechanical cable, requiring additional wiring to the instrument cluster.

Power Steering: You may need a high-pressure compression fitting (e.g., Dorman) to adapt the Explorer’s threaded power steering lines to the Ranger’s rack-and-pinion system.

5. Essential Parts Checklist

Motor Mounts: Use year-specific swap plates from vendors like RicksRangerz (approx. $130–$150) or Autofab ($485+). The Explorer 5.0L mounts will go right in to your 1998+ Ranger. With the 1993-1997 Rangers, you can use the stock rubber 4.0L mounts and the Explorer plates. The locator tabs on the rubber mounts have to be removed. The passenger side should fit. The driver side will need trimming and one hole drilled.

Exhaust Headers: Use the Explorers 5.0 exhaust manifolds. The factory Explorer 5.0 manifolds and down pipes fit in a 1998+ Ranger without modification but will need some custom exhaust work from there back. You can also use “Torque Monster” headers or specific conversion headers designed to clear the Ranger’s steering shaft and frame.

Oil Filter: A remote oil filter relocation kit is often mandatory to clear the steering gearbox.

Related Articles

1996-2001 Ford Explorer 5.0L Specifications 

2000 Explorer 5.0 To 2009 Ford Ranger V8 Swap

Explorer 5.0L Swap Into 1998-2011 Ford Ranger

Install a 1996 Explorer 5.0L into a 1995-1997 Ranger

Explorer 5.0 Swap In A 2000 Ford Ranger

Install – 2000 Ford Explorer 5.0 Into 1998 Ford Ranger