Ford Ranger - 4.6 3v Engine Swap

[STRIK24]

I have a 2003 Ranger XLT 2wd which currently has a 4.0L with 400,000km on it. I looked around online because I've been thinking of an engine swap soon to a V8 since the truck will be built up into a long travel prerunner. I looked at 5.0s from 96-02 explorers since they're drop-ins but I was more interested in the modular engines. I found a 2008 Explorer with a mint condition 4.6L 3v and decided I'll put in the work to drop that engine as well as the 4wd transmission into my ranger since my automatic tranny won't bolt up to it (I won't connect the transfer case to anything since my truck is 2wd).

I've seen people use 2v modulars in rangers so I know it'll fit eventually with some new mounts and cutting.

I have some questions as to this build, but I would appreciate any advice or help with some obstacles I'll face. A few I already am aware of is rerouting the steering and the PATS system. Any idea on PATS system deletes or ways around this?

Thanks ?

 

[6gun]

I could be wrong but if I understand correctly PATS can be programmed out of the computer but it takes either a dealer or a shop with an advanced computer to do it. The guy that's about to do my swap says his computer can handle it so I'm leaving it up to him.

 

[STRIK24]

That's what I was hoping for. I've read that some people say you need to keep the original instrument cluster out of the donor vehicle, which I'm not up for since it won't fit in my ranger and I've put work into mine already.

 

[adsm08]

I could be wrong but if I understand correctly PATS can be programmed out of the computer but it takes either a dealer or a shop with an advanced computer to do it. The guy that's about to do my swap says his computer can handle it so I'm leaving it up to him.

The dealer cannot and will not disable the PATS system.

 

[bobbywalter]

depends on dealer and if its a cash job.


hp tuners. and consider the f150 5.0 2014 and up.


great trans and engine combo compared to the 4.6 in the explorer. way easier to tune all around...

turn key packaging between 3800-5000 last i looked.


several ways to do the steering. to use a modern ford v8....my first choice.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you dig deep enough a 3v 4.6 swap was done on here to I wanna say an 01 or 02 a couple years ago.

 

[6gun]

The dealer cannot and will not disable the PATS system.

Just asking for clarity, is that because their computer is unable to or because Ford forbids it? There are some things I can do with programming on our control computers at work that I am forbidden to by company policy. Just curious.

 

[STRIK24]

I've already picked up the '08 Explorer so the 4.6 is what I'm sticking with. The new Coyotes are way too big of a job from what I've seen, and a lot more $$$. I'm not an electrical guy, so getting around the PATS and hooking up the ETC is going to be the things I'm not looking forward to.

Is it possible to swap out the ECU that has the PATS system on it with a model that didn't? Just a thought, ive seen mustang guys swapping theirs with one out of a Crown Vic because it supposedly doesn't have the PATS on the ECU.

Also, the plan is to supercharger the 4.6 in the future. Right now I just want to strip it down, replace some bearings, piston rings, gaskets, and also the coils (apparently old coils mess with the PCM and cause shifting problems) and give it a clean up and paint job. Anything else that might be worth it?

 

[Dirtman]

While I'm sure adsm knows the details, it would be extremely sketchy for a Ford dealer to disable a system like that and a big insurance liability. How does ford know the vehicle or parts aren't stolen? If you could just wander into a dealership and say delete my security system it would be a really crappy security system. Also the instrument cluster including the mileage is tied in with the Pat's so there's also the issue of mileage fraud... no "honest" dealer will touch that with a 50 foot pole whether they could or not.

I dunno if their tools can physically do it, I doubt it, no reason for ford to give dealers that power. Also if adsm says they can't then I'd believe him. I know custom tuners can do it though so that's your best bet.

On a 2008 you have a HEC cluster which is married to the ECU. Truck wont start unless the ecu see's the cluster. I've never heard of a work around for this but I'm sure a tuner shop could let you know if they can erase the cluster so you can run the stock ranger unit.

 

[STRIK24]

The explorer is in my name and is just going to be parted out. I'm sure if I said the vehicle was scrap there wouldn't be an issue.

I'd have to get in touch with a timer and see if they can program around the cluster and PATS system.

 

[Dirtman]

A tuner wont care if its stolen, scrap, or what lol. Find a good one with good reviews, hit your local drag track and ask around. Don't just pull one out of a phonebook.

 

[Dirtman]

I mention this because my buddy has a 900hp mustang. Obviously the computer needed to be dyno tuned. The place did a good job but it needs to go back a couple times a year to be "adjusted". The place went out of business and basically left him stranded. Not this would happen with something like a Pat's or Hec delete but it's worth it to know you got a company who will be around if a problem arises. Or just an idiot who ends up frying your ecu...

 

[adsm08]

Just asking for clarity, is that because their computer is unable to or because Ford forbids it? There are some things I can do with programming on our control computers at work that I am forbidden to by company policy. Just curious.

There is no written prohibition by Ford that I am aware of, however there is a tacit one in that the Ford scan tool software lacks the ability to turn the system off. That is the cannot.

The will not is a liability issue. The dealer will assume one of two things when you ask if they can disable to PATS system.

1) You stole the car and don't have the security keys. Then the real owners may sue them or have them charged as an accessory to the theft, or both.

2) You own the car, but no matter what liability waivers they may have you sign, if the car is stolen later you will try to sue them for disabling the security system.


And yes, there are enough dumb people out there that I have seen similar events happen.

 

[6gun]

Trust me as a former LEO and now a factory repair tech/engineer I understand completely the idiocy that is out there! "What do you mean we can't run this 100HP air compressor deadheading into a 1/2" line." "My 250HP/480V motor is burned up, why don't you have one with you to repair it? Don't y'all keep spare parts with ya?" Yup, different machines but same problems!

 

[adsm08]

Trust me as a former LEO and now a factory repair tech/engineer I understand completely the idiocy that is out there! "What do you mean we can't run this 100HP air compressor deadheading into a 1/2" line." "My 250HP/480V motor is burned up, why don't you have one with you to repair it? Don't y'all keep spare parts with ya?" Yup, different machines but same problems!

I don't know what the repair was, what the vehicle was, or any details because I only heard one side of the conversation, but I walked into the office the other week and heard my manager on the phone with an upset customer. As I walked in he was telling the guy "Well sir, you can sue us if you want, but it looks like you've put 15K miles on the vehicle since it was here last". I'm guessing another shop told him he needed an engine and we were the last ones to change his oil.