1997 Explorer 5.0l in 1998 Ford Ranger

[arkantor]

What I have:
1998 Ford Ranger
3.0L Manual
4x4

Donor I am looking at:
1997 Explorer V8
4x4

I have a few questions.
1) Can I go from a manual in my truck to using the auto from the explorer? I would prefer a manual, but I thinking about putting the auto in until I get some more time and money to find a tranny.

2) The VSS sensor is in the axle of my truck, being that I am taking the axle from the explorer I will need to use the VSS from the trans on the explorer?

3) I have read through the v8 conversion swap article. Is there anything else major I need to think about? I have swapped engines before, I actually put a Ford 2.0 and put it in a Chevy Equinox for our hybrid vehicle team, so I have some experience but not a lot. I am definitely willing to learn.

Thanks

 

[V8 Level II]

1) Column parts or complete column needs to be swapped to convert to auto column shift. There a jumper that replaces the Clutch Pedal Position switch on auto Rangers.

2) Stock 98~2000 Ranger VSS will continue to work even with the Ex axle which also has the sensor.

3) There are some compatibility issues from 97 Explorer 5.0 to 98 Ranger.

 

[arkantor]

The explorer still runs, so I might go get it this weekend and have the fiance drive it this winter being her car sucks in the snow. Then I will slowly learn/acquire what I need to do the swap in the summer.

So you are saying use the fuel system from the 97 explorer and swap the fuel sending unit with the one in my truck with the one from the explorer so I will have a return system. And do not swap out fuel rails etc.

Thank for the help.

 

[V8 Level II]

So you are saying use the fuel system from the 97 explorer and swap the fuel sending unit with the one in my truck with the one from the explorer so I will have a return system. And do not swap out fuel rails etc.

The Explorer fuel pump assembly may not physically fit into the Ranger tank. Converting from returnless to return fuel might require using earlier Ranger parts. In the end, what is needed in the fuel system is a matched set of rails/pump/regulator/lines/injectors/PCM.

5.0L Explorer:
Return fuel: 96~98 (vacuum regulated 30~40 PSI)
Returnless: 99~01 (constant 65 PSI)

Ranger EFI:
Return fuel: 97 and earlier (vacuum regulated 30~40 PSI)
Returnless: 98+ (constant 65 PSI)

[Exception: some returnless FFV (flex fuel) Rangers run 55 PSI]