04 ford ranger ext cab 4.0 4x4 5speed conversion

[billgrim01]

Hey guys I gotta 04 ford ranger ext cab with a 4.0 5 speed. My engine took a dump after 180,000 but I'm sure it was my lack of maintance that caused the problem. Anyway I'm having a hard time finding the engine cause everyone say the 04s are different then the rest. However I got a few old 5.0 302s laying around I wouldn't mind swapping in place of the 4.0 but I need some advice on an adaptor plate to bold to my trans an engine mounts an all that. Can anyone help? All info is appreciated. Thanks

 

[adsm08]

There shouldn't be anything super special about the 04 engine that makes it so you can't just bolt in another one by swapping sensors and manifolds.

A 5.0 is not going to be that easy. For you even less so because of the area you are in.

Also, going from a 4.0 SOHC to a 5.0 the gains in power are negligible and best. Not really worth the extra effort.

 

[billgrim01]

Thanks for replying an ya I agree the 4.0 ran good but everyone I call is telling me I got to switch everything except heads an block to make any other 4.0 work an if I got to go that far into swapping timing covers an everything I would rather throw a 5.0 in it even if it just efi igntion an carb. Howeever I'm having a hard time finding a bell housing for the 5.0 to bolt to my 5 speed trans. It is always a 4x4. Does anyone know where I can find one? I seen info on here but when I click it it just takes me to a search page. Does anyone have info on what 4.0s will work? Like the years an what I would have to swap out?

 

[billgrim01]

The engine that's in it now sounds like the cam is broke, making a heck of a knocking noice but it sounds like its in the top end not the bottom. I parked it almost a year ago an havrnt messed with it but its a nice truck an I want to get it up an going again

 

[Denisefwd93]

I have a 93 4X4. 4.0 Automatic. I just found a 4.0 5speed from a 97 (62,000 on the od) I'm going to put the engine in storage, But will be using the transmission To go to 5 speed! As I understand it The engine harness and electronics from the older truck would go on the newer engine. Everybody on the forum says that is pretty much plug and play, I'm only nervous about the electrical connections for the backup lights, clutch safety switche and PCM

 

[adsm08]

Your trans doesn't have a removable bell. You would need to find a 5.0 trans. And I really wouldn't do carb if you ever want to drive that truck on the road again. Greene County isn't emissions, so you are subject to the "enhanced visual anti-tampering check" at inspection. Removal of the fuel injection system is considered "tampering" and will be a fail on your safety inspection.

You probably have a shattered timing guide on bank one, which does mean the engine has to come out to fix, but even that is less work and money than a 5.0 swap, even if you already have the engine.

I really can't think of anything super special about the 04 SOHC that would make it so complicated. The block, heads, front cover, and oil pan never changed. The intakes were different from Ranger to Explorer, but that is seriously about 5 minutes of work to swap over if both engines are out of the vehicle. Mustang intake is the same style as the Ranger. The exhaust manifolds had two different setups on the driver's side, one for EGR, one without, and it is common to see Rangers that vintage without EGR.

Fuel rail and injectors should come out with the intake manifold, so if you reuse your original intake they would go along for the ride when you swap it.

You might need to swap a few sensors, but even that shouldn't be bad. The coolant temp sensors are in the thermostat housing, literally 3 bolts and a clamp. There is a knock sensor in the valley that you shouldn't have to change, and nothing else super critical that is actually attached to the block.

I think someone has been giving you bad, or at least incomplete and under-informed information.


5.0 swap is well documented by a good bit or work with the exhaust, and oil pans and intakes and such. And after all that you only gain a little bit of power over your existing engine and actually loose a bit under 3000 RPM.

 

[RonD]

Thanks for replying an ya I agree the 4.0 ran good but everyone I call is telling me I got to switch everything except heads an block to make any other 4.0 work an if I got to go that far into swapping timing covers an everything I would rather throw a 5.0 in it even if it just efi igntion an carb. Howeever I'm having a hard time finding a bell housing for the 5.0 to bolt to my 5 speed trans. It is always a 4x4. Does anyone know where I can find one? I seen info on here but when I click it it just takes me to a search page. Does anyone have info on what 4.0s will work? Like the years an what I would have to swap out?

You will need to swap trans and transfer case to go to a V8, and rad, exhaust, oil pan modification, and a few other bits.
Also need to fake some data for computer since dash is run by computer, assuming you go with carb and vacuum advance distributor on V8.
So probably not worth it unless you buy an explorer with V8 for parts.

Google: Ranger 4.0l sohc used engine

You can use any VIN "E" engine, 8th digit in Ford VIN is the engine code, E = 4.0l SOHC, 2000 and earlier were 4.0l OHV which won't work for you
Explorer 4.0l SOHC will also work
Yes, you will be better off swapping out lower and upper intake, and probably better to swap your accessories/pulleys and brackets just because when you go to replace fan belt in 5 years you just need to get one for '05 Ranger 4.0l SOHC.

If you get a pre-'05 4.0l SOHC you should replace the timing chains and cassettes before installing, I would also change the front and rear main seals as well they are cheap but a pain to get to after engine is installed.

4x4 oil pan may be different that 2WD but I would also change oil pan gasket in any case

 

[adsm08]

There isn't a lower intake on the SOHC. On all the OHC enignes Ford just lays the upper intake right on the heads and the valley is open.

Also, Explorers got the SOHC in 97 or 98. Those older Explorer units have an intake that much more resembles the Ranger one.

 

[billgrim01]

So you guys are telling me a 2000 to 2005 is the same no matter if its ranger or explorer an long as the 8th vin is an e, is that correct? Also the block the heads the timing covers are all the same as well? An as far as seals go an gaskets I would change all them anyway being its a used engine that ill be getting. Let me know, thanks everyone for the info

 

[adsm08]

Yes, that is exactly what I am saying.

 

[billgrim01]

Thanks man! Ill have to post some pics of my 93 up here I've done a lot with it. I've been wanting to v8 it just haven't done it yet but there easy on that model. I got an 4 in suspension lift an 4 in body lift on it, 35.12.50. 15s rool pan rear bumper an a bunch of other stuff on it. It was my baby lol then I had kids. Just not enough time to do much anymore

 

[Denisefwd93]

The gentlemen on this site know these trucks very very well Bill! I'd trust the advice here long before trusting "all those guys that say this and that"

 

[billgrim01]

Thabks for all your help ill weigh out what I wana do ill prob just stick to the 4.0 though I don't wana deal with all the problems. I have a 93 that I've done a lot to an all that's left is the engine swap but its easy in that year.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, the long block is going to be the same.

I would expect to have to swap intakes, sensors, etc, unless you find one from an 04 Ranger.

 

[Denisefwd93]

I spun my back wheels yesterday! Surprised me! But I'm not heavy footed. 4.0 has all the power I'll ever need. and it's pretty good on gas compared to the AWD van I had.