1997 ranger 5.0 questions

[Reaper1354]

I am new to the swap game, and have some questions involving a 5.0 swap, it's somewhat difficult to find all my specific questions. I currently have a 1997 4.0 rwd ranger. Automatic. Just wondering which year explorer motor and trans would be best. What years would be easier? Don't some years have a pats, if so which ones are they? I would assume they would be harder to swap, computer wise since my 97 doesn't have pats, atleast I believe so anyway. I hear the motor mounts should work from a 4.0 if I am correct? Also could someone send me a link of a good wiring diagram I would need with some advice? Also would my driveshaft still work for the 4r70w or no? I am an extended cab if that means anything. Any serious clearance issues? Any relatively easy remedies for them? For the most part I would probably get a junkyard engine and slowly build it. What other components would I need from the explorer to make it still work? Sorry if this seems like a lot, but I want to fully grasp the idea of the swap before I make any good purchases.

 

[RonD]

Explorer got PATS in '98
V8 Explores started in '96 so not a big window without PATS, '96, '97
Second generation Explores are 1995–2001
The fuel system changed in '99, to the returnless type, your '97 Ranger will have the return type.
'99 and up engines will have different injectors and fuel rail, also different computer software I believe.

You also have 2WD so need trans of that type
'97 and up V8 had a little more power than '96, different heads

So your optimal donor vehicle would be a '97 Explorer 2WD V8, at least for the computer and wiring.

PATS is not part of engine or trans, so they can come from any year, but keep in mind the fuel system changes in '99.

Good read here: http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/January2011/explorer-v8_95-97_ranger.shtml