Differences between 4.0 OHV headers for 90-97 and 98-2000 model Rangers

[JeffAllen]

Hey guys I am in the process of replacing the heads on my 4.0 OHV in my 2000 Ranger. I'm not gonna reuse the factory manifolds and I don't see many headers for the 98-2000 model trucks with the 4.0 that aren't $400++..There are ALL KINDS of rather inexpensive headers for 90-97 Rangers with the 4.0 especially on Ebay..My question is can you run a set of headers for an earlier model Ranger 90-95ish on a later model Ranger like my 2000 4x4 Ranger..? My truck don't have egr but if that's the only differences that's an Easy mod to fix.. Even if the headers won't bolt up to the factory exhaust I don't care I will have my buddy fit my exhaust to the headers if they will fit..

These are some good looking headers but are for an early model 90-92 ranger..

 

[19Walt93]

The front suspension changed dramatically from 97 to 98, the early headers may not clear the suspension/frame on the later trucks. Buy a set from someone who'll allow you to return them and don't scratch them doing the test fit.

 

[JeffAllen]

I can tell you with 100% certainty the 95-97 headers will fit the 98-2000 model Rangers perfectly as I just installed a set of JBA's on my 2000 4.0 Ranger. Fit like a glove. The factory exhaust would have to be slightly modified by an exhaust shop to bolt back up but that's very minor stuff.

 

[holyford86]

California emissions trucks had extra cats in the Y pipe, so they are made to be a direct swap for the factory manifolds 98-00

 

[JeffAllen]

California emissions trucks had extra cats in the Y pipe, so they are made to be a direct swap for the factory manifolds 98-00

My 2000 has never been a Commiefornia truck and still had the 2 extra smaller converters just below the exhaust manifolds and several other 2000 models I he seen also had them so I'm guessing all 2000 models had these smaller converters below the manifolds..