1994 Ranger 4.0 5spd 4x4/ 96 Ex 5.0 AWD conversion?

[68Mercury250Ranger]

OK I have searched a bit, as much as lowspeed will allow.
I already have :
1 1996 Explorer AWD 5.0 automatic. rotted pile of iron oxide, but runs mint!
I found 1 1994 ranger extended 4.0 5spd 4x4 . very cheap and solid cab/doors/frame/rebuilt trans and new clutch.

My question/query is can I use the EXplorer engine in this ranger w/o firewall/heater box mods? my friend had a 86 Ranger that he put a 351HO in and he had to body lift and cut away a lot of heater box. I don't want to make these changes hopefully.

I would like to install the 5.0GT40 with a M50D from an F150 4x4.
I do have some swap/conversion experience(built a 79 F150 4x4w/5.9 cummins, ZF 5spd)

would like to buy this Ranger if its an easy V8 install. is the 94 ranger firewall same as the 96 explorer

my explorer/ranger experience is limited..... my fullsize Ford experience is not

thanks for advice/experience/opinions in advance.

 

[Teddyzee]

Your heaterbox will require a slight mod, the pass side valve cover should hit it. The heater box design changed in '95 on the Ranger, the later ones do not need to be modified with an Explorer EFI intake, or carb setup.
(my setup from a '92 Mustang just barely touched the heater box right at the throttle body)

You cannot swap to a later heater box, as the firewall changed in '95 as well, with different size/location of the holes to the cabin.

But you're lookin at an easy mod, cut a small section out of the box, and patch it back together. It's in an easy spot to hide, too.