1998 Explorer 5.0 into a 1997 2.3

[eazrider]

I have an opportunity to pick up a 1998 5.0 "all wheel drive" (??) Explorer with a bad engine, otherwise intact. I have available a 93 5.0 from a Mustang, along with an AO4D tranny ( needs computer control) from a '94 Mustang... Is this donor Explorer the right candidate to swap the 5.0 into my 2.3L 5 speed 1997 Ranger? I have not been using the AOD tranny, and do not have the harness/CPU to control the AOD. I currently have a T-5 mated to the 94 5.0. I'm guessing I will be able to use all of the motor mts, accessories, etc from the Explorer with this swap...How challenging will it be to install the T-5 into my '97 ? Any thoughts..?

 

[Lanciadave]

Sounds doable using all the Explorer accessories. Is the ranger 2wd or 4wd, and are you keeping it that way?

 

[eazrider]

Sounds doable using all the Explorer accessories. Is the ranger 2wd or 4wd, and are you keeping it that way?

The Ranger is 2 whl drive, and the Explorer is "all whl drive". I will not be converting the Ranger to 4WD.. I have an E4OD automatic from a '94 5.0 GT Mustang that I plan to put behind the 5.0 HO motor I plan to rebuild. Any thoughts on which stand alone controller I can use for the transmission..?