Going to put a 99 Explorer d35 and 4.0 into my 86 B2 need advice.

[jkufen]

Ok a good deal on a 1999 Ford Explorer 4.0 4x4 Manual Transmission just fell in my lap so I am going next weekend to get it. Here goes the questions. Is there are threads here where people have used newer model explorers for the swap? I checked the tech library and the newest was 1994. Also I believe the Explorer has auto locking hubs because I don't see a transfer case shifter by the gear shifter. Is there a way to make a electronic locking t-case a manual locking t-case like my B2? Can I use parts from my 86 B2 to do that? I really have too many question to ask in a thread but if yall have any advice about the swap I'd really appreciate it. I am doing the engine, transmission, transfer case, front and rear axles hopefully one after another and get it done quick so I can get back on the road! I also thought about swapping the dash but I don't know if the Explorer dash is too big.

 

[PlumCrazy]

95+ Explorer front suspension/axle is completely different and not going to work under a B2.

You can use the engine and trans, but use your current tcase. You will need to use an older Ranger/Expo for a wiring harness/PCM donor.

 

[jkufen]

So are you telling me there is no way to put the front and rear axle underneath the B2 or are you saying it won't just bolt in like the older models will? Some modifications I can do.

 

[jkufen]

Sorry miss read he post. What would it take.to get the front axle in?

 

[PlumCrazy]

Do yourself a flavor and look under both vehicles. If simply looking at both doesn't explain why it wont work, then I don't think you are ready take on the motor swap yet either.

About the only way I see to put a 95+ Expo setup under a B2 is to just swap bodies and shorten the frame.

-PlumCrazy

 

[adsm08]

Sorry miss read he post. What would it take.to get the front axle in?

You would effectively have to graft the entire forward section of the frame to get the mounting points for the pumpkin and control arms.


Do you actually understand the differences that we are talking about between the two setups?



What this question generally boils down to whenever it come up is that those who want to usually don't have the skills/equipment. Those who have the skills/equipment don't bother because it is not worth it.

 

[jkufen]

Well if thats the case then Ill just use the rear and see if I can trade the front for an older model at a pick and pull. No I do not have the know how to actually plan this swap in my head. I have never done anything like this. I am a novice mechanic but I will never know how until I take the leap and do it. I have several mechanic friends that I can turn to if I need to but I am going to try this on my own to understand it better. I have been studying writeups and the tech library about older model explorers so I didn't realize there was that much of a difference between the two. This is going to be a trial and error experience for myself and my dad who is helping me. I have an understanding of the engine and all of its components and I have another 4.0 vehicle to try and use as a guideline with the help of lots of pictures and labels I will take as I am disconnecting things. As far as the rear end, will it fit like the older model explorers? Is it still the 8.8 like the older models I believe? Lastly does anyone know the gearing off hand and if so is there an older model explorer front end that will work without having to regear? I am a beginner at this so I don't quite know the ins and outs of the explorers like you guys do but that is why i am asking these questions so that you experienced members can share yalls knowledge. Thanks for the help so far.

 

[trail B2]

Your on the right track now use the older dana 35 out of a Ranger or a explorer and forget about your ifs setup.Mine has a 93 motor in it I traded the dash and steering column at he same time.It worked real good for me like the newer dash better but you need to research to find out about the newer ones.When you get the Explorer the rear end tag will tell you the gear ratio.When I did this to mine the enjoyment of driving it went way up not because its faster but the drivability is so much better.

 

[jkufen]

ok well glad i finally got that stuff straight. I will check the local pick and pull and see about a front end. I will look at the dash once I get the truck here. The truck is 3 hours away so I havent seen anything but pictures of the truck. When I get it I will work on figuring if the new dash will fit or not. I think as long as it is a good width I can make brackets to get it to fit in. If not I will just wire the old dash to the new engine. My dad is a master mind when it comes to electronics and wiring. This project is going to be a learning experience for me. If anyone has any tips that makes the 4.0 swap easier I am all ears.

 

[jkufen]

These are just a few pics of the donor. I am not really a big fan of the 4 door explorer but if I was I would just keep this instead of stripping it down.

 

[PlumCrazy]

The only good way to put the 95+ dash in an older truck is to actually cut out and swap firewalls.

The mounting points are completely diff, the columns are diff, the brake booster/pedal brackets are diff. Etc

Like I said earlier, find yourself and older Expo or Ranger for a dash/wiring donor.

I almost done with my buddys B2 done this way.

96 Expo 4.0
93 Ranger Dash/column/pedals
93 base model Ranger complete engine/interior/chassis harness PCM
95 Ranger D35
96 Expo 8.8

Its almost all plug and play. Just have to splice on your old headlight and market plugs.

We probably won't ever hook up the rear wiper or defrost, but it wouldn't be hard.

-PlumCrazy

 

[jkufen]

Ok ill have to go looking for an older explorer dash and wiring. Ill probably try to trade mine off and see if i can get it without paying money. Next question is the stock transfer case going to handle mild off roading? Or do i need to get that from an older explorer too?

 

[jkufen]

And whats the PCM? Is that any different then just the regular wiring harness? Also is there a tip or trick to getting the wiring harness out the easiest or just like i figured and strip the whole truck down on the firewall.

 

[PlumCrazy]

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powertrain_control_module

-PlumCrazy

 

[jkufen]

lol thanks I am knew about the ECU but didn't realize there was a more centralized computer that operated the ECU. I was under the impression the it started with the ECU. I guess I learn something new every day Thanks again for the link.