1994 b2300 want to 5.0 swap questions

[Lil_Masher]

So I have spent the last couple nights researching and i havent got the answers im looking for.

I got my b2300 which I am currently Daily driving.
Its slow and i like fast cars/trucks
so i want to swap a 5.0 into it.
my questions are:
What is the best 5.0 to swap (like best donor car/truck) i read something about a 1998 explorer 4x4 having the best directed exhaust manifold to fit.
next question:
what do i do with my transmission? Do i swap the tranny, if so what with, and or can i just have the tranny built up stronger.
Last question: what do i do with the rear end? am i good to just Weld it securely? or should i get an LSD.

IF these could be answered that would be much much appreciated. looking to drop 1500-2000 on the swap, i looked up 5.0s around me and they are about 500 complete.

 

[win]

I'd start with a pre '98 Explorer 2wd 5.0 -- buy a complete wreck, you'll get nearly all the mechanicals you'd need including a disc brake LSD rear end.

Being pre '98, you won't have the anti-theft system to worry about and the speedometer signal comes from the transmission, not the ABS system.

Worst issue with the pre '98 is the pathetic OEM tubular exhaust manifolds, the later cast manifolds flow better, you'd just need to cap off the EGR port on the right manifold. 4X4, 2wd, the exhaust manifolds are the same.

Also, get a copy of the Ford EVTM for both the right year Explorer and your Ranger. There are a handful of electrical issues that have to be solved, particularly for the speedometer, fuel pump and a/c circuits.

The swap has been done a ton of times, with every snag and it's solution well covered.

 

[RangerSVT]

Explorer 96-97 should be your donor. You didnt mention if you were 2wd or 4wd, or if you wanted to swap to 4wd. Another not mentioned criteria is what trans type you want, auto or manual. Things you will need include the motor, trans, throttle cable, power steering pressure line, 4.0l motor mounts & v8 swap plates, 4.0 automatic trans radiator (the dual core hd rad), ecu, engine & trans harness (with about 12" of wire cut on the vehicle side of plug C110, the 42 pin plug on top of the motor) battery and alternator harness, oil filter relocation kit with 90* block adapter. You will need to reshape the ac box if you have ac. Keeping ac is possible, but you'll need to get some hoses custom made, a hydraulic hose shop can do whats needed. The wiring will require some splicing of about 15-20 wires, depending on if you use stock gauges or aftermarket mechanical. Wiring in the newer OBD2 diagnostic port will be highly recommended.
Selling/trading your 94 for a 95+ will solve most of your wiring issues, you also won't have to modify the ac box...

SVT