Explorer 4.0 w/ 5sp swap to 89 Ranger

[numberkruncher]

Looking at putting a 4.0 and 5 speed manual from a '99 explorer into a '89 Ranger that currently has a 2.9 with blown A4LD. Questions-

1. Is the 4.0 as prone to cracked heads as the 2.9?
2. Is the wiring harness in the '89 ranger compatible or will the whole thing have to be rewired?
3. Is it ok to keep the ranger rear end or will we need to swap that also?
4. Any other known booby traps with the proccess?

 

[MikeWild]

As with any engine, keep it cool and you should be ok.

you'll need the entire wiring harness & computer from the donor vehicle as well as the vacuum lines and such. It's best to park the tucks side by side and when it comes time to swap out the harness, be very methodical in where every connection goes.

The rear end can remain, but may be a good time to upgrade to an 8.8

If you follow everything correctly, there should be no booby traps.

Good luck on the swap, I just did mine last weekend

 

[numberkruncher]

Two more questions-

1. Is the distance from the Engine/Transmission spit to the engine mounts the same on the '99 4.0L as it is on the '89 2.9L, or will engine support modifications be required?

2. Would the 5 SP transmission in the '99 be a M5OD R1 or a M5OD R2?

Thanks

 

[Ranger44]

These kind of swaps make me cring.

Trust me, it can be done, but it'll be a long process and take lots of time. You don't just need the engine, and tranny. You need ALL the wiring from the engine compartment, and splicing the engine compartment harness to your existing cab harness should be fun....maybe self-torturous. You'll also need to find a way to adapt the EVAP system to your current fuel system. Otherwise the computer will be very unhappy. Then you have to deal with all the wiring from the newer donor being from an engine compartment with a different layout. You may be able to defeat this by using the overflow tank, etc, form the donor.

By all means, I'm trying to discourage such a swap, but a 4.0/M5OD combo from a 90-92 Ranger or 91/92' Explorer would be the easiest swap to consider. A 93-94 Ranger or Explorer would be a little harder, but just as equally simplified.