Engine swap wiring help.

[David Nelson]

Hello again, 1997 ranger 4.0l into 1987 Bronco ll. I have submitted a couple of threads on this subject, also read other threads on it. I'm almost just as confused now as when I started as I am now. I just read a article in engine swaps about 1994 4.0l being used. Can I follow some of this thread or is my 97 completely different?
also what is involved in swapping the OBDll system and whats involved in that process. Any help please.

 

[ericbphoto]

First of all, it might be easier for us to follow if you keep all this in one thread. That way we can go back and read the previous stuff all in one place and maybe avoid confusion and repetition.

Now. My understanding is that swapping to a newer system with obd2 can be done. BUT... It is probably more complicated by a large Margine. I don't know all the details. But around the time obd2 came on the scene, the whole wiring structure of vehicles started to change. Instead of controlling everything with switches, a few relays and maybe one microprocessor, the ECU, the various vehicle systems started getting their own microprocessors. So now, you basically have a whole bunch of tiny computers controlling different systems - the ECU for the engine, another for the transmission, another for body functions like lights and door locks (the GEM), security systems, etc. And these all communicate with each other. They also increase functionality by.making it easier to add timers and safety interlocks and other crap that most of us don't even know is there. But this changes the whole architecture of the wiring systems in the vehicle. The newer the vehicle, the more advanced it is. But this process began around that time.

So you can't just toss a young whippersnapper obd2 ECU, engine harness and engine in there and expect it to play nice with the grandpa style body wiring and instrument cluster. A lot of changes have to be made to try to make that dysfunctional family get along.

 

[Denisefwd93]

I see vehicles for sale ads (not just rangers and broncos ) usually the title is something like "V8 swap, just needs wiring to complete"

seems to me the engine would be okay but you should be looking for the older wiring harness of that vintage.


Somebody here has the answers! there's some pretty sharp minds in some of these young gentlemen! and to me they're all young because I'll be 71 this month.

Yes keep it on one thread and bump it up as you progress, with pictures and other problems and situations as they evolve it's a very fast-moving forum, and it's driven by discussion,

What engine was in the bronco?

 

[Denisefwd93]

Oh, have you read this one? he gives
some very detailed information on wiring and everything else

1987 Ranger 2.9 to 1992 Ranger 4.0 Build

Hey guys so im going to post my pictures and everything along with details for the swap seeing as nobody has made a very detailed swap thread. This will help to clarify others as well to help with there conversion. As i was lost and spent countless hours looking for ways to convert this thing...

www.therangerstation.com