302 swap clarification

[Jake_C]

I apologize I know this has all been covered probably a hundred times. I’ve read up on this for weeks but am having trouble figuring out what I’d need for my specific application. I have a 97, reg cab long bed, 4.0. m5od r1 transmission I assume. BW1345 electric transfer case I assume again. 8.8 rear end. I understand that an a 5.0 from an explorer from the same year would be ideal because the engine wiring would plug strait into the chassis harnesses. So would a f150 of the same year with the correct motor not also plug right in? As far as I understand I want a 96-97 5.0, with a m5od r2 transmission with whatever 4x4 transfer case is already on it. Is there a vehicle that came with that combo in that year and is it practical to try to find one if it does? Am I totally wrong with these details? I know old gm motors and transmission and very little about 97 era ford stuff. If I did the swap I’d want as much plug and play as possible. Thanks in advance!

 

[franklin2]

This link explains everything. https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/5_0_swap_in_newer_ranger.shtml

 

[RonD]

People want the 1996/97 Explorer V8s, with wiring harness and computer, because there is no PATS(passive anti-theft system) to deal with
You will still need to splice wires

The 1996-2001 Explorer V8s also have the lower clearance Intake manifold so it fits under the Ranger hood
Other Ford cars or trucks have higher intakes

1996-2001 Explorer V8's never came with manual transmission, never an option, 2WD or 4WD

You have a BW1354 transfer case, and yes, it will NOT work with a V8 transmission

1996 was the last year Ford used the 302 engines in all US models EXCEPT the Explorers
1996 and earlier 4WD truck 302 engine, transmissions, and transfer cases can work, but still need the shorter intake, and shifter will come up under the dash, but shifter arm can be bent to work

Best manual transmission and transfer case to get/use with a 302 swap is from a 4WD F150/250 with 4.2l V6, yes V6
1997-2003 4.2l V6 engine used same bolt pattern as 302
And used M5OD-R2 V8 transmission with V8 transfer case, and its shifter comes up in the same place as Rangers smaller version M5OD-R1

 

[Jake_C]

People want the 1996/97 Explorer V8s, with wiring harness and computer, because there is no PATS(passive anti-theft system) to deal with
You will still need to splice wires

The 1996-2001 Explorer V8s also have the lower clearance Intake manifold so it fits under the Ranger hood
Other Ford cars or trucks have higher intakes

1996-2001 Explorer V8's never came with manual transmission, never an option, 2WD or 4WD

You have a BW1354 transfer case, and yes, it will NOT work with a V8 transmission

1996 was the last year Ford used the 302 engines in all US models EXCEPT the Explorers
1996 and earlier 4WD truck 302 engine, transmissions, and transfer cases can work, but still need the shorter intake, and shifter will come up under the dash, but shifter arm can be bent to work

Best manual transmission and transfer case to get/use with a 302 swap is from a 4WD F150/250 with 4.2l V6, yes V6
1997-2003 4.2l V6 engine used same bolt pattern as 302
And used M5OD-R2 V8 transmission with V8 transfer case, and its shifter comes up in the same place as Rangers smaller version M5OD-R1

Awesome information, thank you very much.

 

[2011Supercab]

The accessories and brackets on the front of the Explorer are also different, they're shorter, easier to fit into the Ranger.

F-150

Explorer

 

[bobbywalter]

Yeah....I think ron was mixing up the F.E.A.D. with the intakes ....the car intakes are actually lower then the explorer....the sn stang and late bird/cougar have a shorter F.E.A.D. AND LOPO intakes as well.