ronlp
New Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2023
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 10
- Points
- 3
- Location
- Queen Creek, AZ
- Vehicle Year
- 1998
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger XLT
- Engine Type
- 4.0 V6
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
So, I had originally intended to gather up all the parts to do this and schedule a weekend for it, but thanks to an unintentional engine rebuild, it's just kind of happening now as there is no reason to put the auto back in at this point. I've been researching it for a while, and have a pretty good idea what is involved, but there are some details that are a little fuzzy...likely because there are so many different combinations of engine/trans/driveline/year/etc.
Adding to that, I'm also going straight to an HD trans, since in addition to being stronger, they are way easier to locate these days. I've already bought the trans and shifter/boot from a 2011, so at least that part is sorted, but it was shipped from an ebay seller, so I have no access to any additional parts from it's donor.
The usual list of obvious new parts will be coming from RA on the next order I make (starter, flywheel, clutch setup + hydraulics, pilot bearing, hardware) IIRC, all this stuff will be bought for a non-HD 98 and not the HD trans I'm using?
I already have the pedal set, but need to hit more yards to locate the shifter floor plate, hopefully some kind of console, and from what I understand, the column doesn't need to be changed.....just remove the shifter and replace the column trim with one without the hole? I believe I've read one from an SN95 will work, which I actually may already have somewhere.
Ok, now the parts I'm a little more confused on:
- The spacer/dust shield plate that goes between the engine and trans. This is overlooked in most of the info I've found. I know they are definitely different, especially in regards to the starter hole, but can the auto one be made to work? If not....ugh. The online Ford parts guides don't even show them for manual. Would I need the one for the 98 truck or for the HD trans?
- I've seen conflicting information on the transfer case. I guess the easiest way to clarify is to ask.... will the 98 transfer case from an auto directly attach to the 2011 HD manual?
- Wiring. The harness that went to the auto trans; it seems like some people replace it with one from a manual and others just leave most of it unplugged? That whole sub-harness has been removed with pulling the engine, so if it needs to be replaced completely, I guess it's the same question....98 or ~02+? If I'm not mistaken, I think the rear O2 connector was in that harness as well.
I think I see the clutch switch connector under the dash....it looks like it's plugged into a dummy plug? I've yet to mess with anything up there yet, as it was on the lift when I was pulling the engine and I'm going to need to remove the seat to get decent access anyway.
- ECU. I've not made a decision on this yet. I want to check with one of the local tuners that has done all the mustang stuff here for decades and see if they can make the stock one work since it's known to be good. Has this worked ok for others? Either way since it's a 98, I guess I don't need to worry about PATS or anything.
Sorry if this is long-winded. I'm trying to think everything through, and then hopefully leave some useful info for future searches when it's all sorted. If there's anything I'm overlooking, feel free to chime in. Thanks.
Adding to that, I'm also going straight to an HD trans, since in addition to being stronger, they are way easier to locate these days. I've already bought the trans and shifter/boot from a 2011, so at least that part is sorted, but it was shipped from an ebay seller, so I have no access to any additional parts from it's donor.
The usual list of obvious new parts will be coming from RA on the next order I make (starter, flywheel, clutch setup + hydraulics, pilot bearing, hardware) IIRC, all this stuff will be bought for a non-HD 98 and not the HD trans I'm using?
I already have the pedal set, but need to hit more yards to locate the shifter floor plate, hopefully some kind of console, and from what I understand, the column doesn't need to be changed.....just remove the shifter and replace the column trim with one without the hole? I believe I've read one from an SN95 will work, which I actually may already have somewhere.
Ok, now the parts I'm a little more confused on:
- The spacer/dust shield plate that goes between the engine and trans. This is overlooked in most of the info I've found. I know they are definitely different, especially in regards to the starter hole, but can the auto one be made to work? If not....ugh. The online Ford parts guides don't even show them for manual. Would I need the one for the 98 truck or for the HD trans?
- I've seen conflicting information on the transfer case. I guess the easiest way to clarify is to ask.... will the 98 transfer case from an auto directly attach to the 2011 HD manual?
- Wiring. The harness that went to the auto trans; it seems like some people replace it with one from a manual and others just leave most of it unplugged? That whole sub-harness has been removed with pulling the engine, so if it needs to be replaced completely, I guess it's the same question....98 or ~02+? If I'm not mistaken, I think the rear O2 connector was in that harness as well.
I think I see the clutch switch connector under the dash....it looks like it's plugged into a dummy plug? I've yet to mess with anything up there yet, as it was on the lift when I was pulling the engine and I'm going to need to remove the seat to get decent access anyway.
- ECU. I've not made a decision on this yet. I want to check with one of the local tuners that has done all the mustang stuff here for decades and see if they can make the stock one work since it's known to be good. Has this worked ok for others? Either way since it's a 98, I guess I don't need to worry about PATS or anything.
Sorry if this is long-winded. I'm trying to think everything through, and then hopefully leave some useful info for future searches when it's all sorted. If there's anything I'm overlooking, feel free to chime in. Thanks.