Have you ever seen a Whale on a creeper

[bcapel]

Call me Geezer, 67 years old, 300 Lbs and the proud owner of my first Ranger, a 1996 4.0 STX 4X4 auto.
I bought the truck with a blown engine (locked up) I have some experience having been (now retired for 10 years) a ford
drivability Tech for about 15 years, give or take a few, you need help with eec 4 I'm your guy.
I could use a ton of help. First, getting the old engine out --- any tips or tricks?
Dose anyone here on TRS have any first hand experience swapping a 97 4.0 into a 96 truck?
I know the 97 flex plate has to be used and probably the 97 starter as well (different part numbers)
The 97 used a different auto trans, will the 96 trans and converter bolt up to the 97 engine?
anything else I need to know?
Having spent days reading in the forums here on TRS I know you guys will come through,
SO, A BIG THANKS in advanced

 

[Snoranger]

Call me Geezer, 67 years old, 300 Lbs and the proud owner of my first Ranger, a 1996 4.0 STX 4X4 auto.
I bought the truck with a blown engine (locked up) I have some experience having been (now retired for 10 years) a ford
drivability Tech for about 15 years, give or take a few, you need help with eec 4 I'm your guy.
I could use a ton of help. First, getting the old engine out --- any tips or tricks?
Dose anyone here on TRS have any first hand experience swapping a 97 4.0 into a 96 truck? Yes, but not me. I have swapped an '01 SOHC into a '95 Exploder using the OHV computer... close enough.
I know the 97 flex plate has to be used and probably the 97 starter as well (different part numbers) Just leave the '97 (probably an 8 bolt) flexplate on the '97 motor, it will work. The only difference in starters is auto or man trans.
The 97 used a different auto trans, will the 96 trans and converter bolt up to the 97 engine? Yes.
anything else I need to know?
Having spent days reading in the forums here on TRS I know you guys will come through,
SO, A BIG THANKS in advanced

Welcome.

See my answers above.

 

[bcapel]

Thanks for the quick reply, you have been a big help