so im sick of my 2.5l now time to step up to a v8. so i have 96 ford ranger 2wd . what would be the easyed swap. i want efi i here that the mid 90s explorer would be good i want to do a small build maybe a cam but i want something that will be reliable. also i want to do a 9'' rearend with disc brakes but i dont know what year the explorers have them. so any info will help thanks.
The Ex is a fairly easy fit. You want to use Mustang motor maounts, any year, '87 to '95. Many prefer the '94/'95 or fox vert mounts (same). Not sure if the Ex oil pan actually fits an Ibeam Ranger. I believe some are cast, some are stamped, so you may get lucky there. Otherwise a Ford "dual sump" is the pan you want.
With the Explorer front accessories, you casn keep AC and not touch the rad or move the condensor. No need to mod your heater box,either. I would try the stock rad if it's a mild build. I'm using a stock 4.0 rad, it runs very cold.
You can easily swap those basic parts to run with a Mutang harness and ECU if you want more tuning options.
The Explorers, '96 to '01(?) came with 31 spline 8.8 rearends, some with Traction Lock, but they did have disc brakes.