1990 4.0 to 2000 Explorer 4.0

[0ldman]

My brother is getting a 90 Ranger, 4.0 w/overheating problems/auto and we have a busted 2000 Explorer with a 4.0 and a 5R55E.

I read the engine swap and dash swap articles and I have a question.

If you're swapping a 4.0L in to a 1988 or older Ranger/Bronco II you'll need the dash from the donor vehicle. If you're swapping a 4.0L in to a 1989 or newer Ranger you can use your existing dash. However, if the 4.0L and wiring harness came from an Explorer, you'll need the Explorer dash.

Need a dash swap article? click HERE.

89+ you don't need the dash. The 90+ 4.0 and 2.9 dash harnesses were the same.

So 89+ Ranger to Ranger doesn't need the dash swap or 89+ Explorer to Ranger doesn't need to swap the dash?

I'd rather hook my brother up with a good engine and almost new transmission than just swap his engine.

 

[Earl43P]

That swap will be a huge electrical undertaking, along with fuel system.

 

[SenorNoob]

Wait a minute. If your going from one 4.0 to another why would you change any wiring? I've read that even the SOHC can be run with the earliest 4.0 ECUs. Just have to use all of the old style sensors.

 

[0ldman]

I have the 5 speed auto, he has the 4 speed auto.

We do have the option of swapping the sensors, done that before on other vehicles.

 

[SenorNoob]

Oh, I see, the swap is also about getting the 5r55e into the 90. That will involve a lot of work. Has anyone ever done it before?

 

[0ldman]

Doesn't look like it.

I'm not sure we're going to either.

Dad found a pretty decent vacuum leak, fixing it seemed to improve shift quality.

I didn't think they still had vacuum controlled shifts at that time.

 

[SenorNoob]

Glad to hear you got it fixed.

 

[0ldman]

Thanks.

We'll see. It is on jack stands right now, hasn't gone through the gears under load yet.