AHenry014
Active Member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2024
- Messages
- 30
- City
- CT
- Vehicle Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 2.5 (4 Cylinder)
- Transmission
- Automatic
Ill apologize in advance as I'd bet there is the answer to this buried somewhere, but havent found a definitive response in my research. I have read through this page a couple times and have one big question:
For my 1998 Ranger, is the 96-97 Explorer really the smarter choice for a donor over a 99-01 Explorer?
I have a 1998 2.5 auto truck and the plan is to 5.0/manual swap it (F150 4.2 trans). The article seems to have conflicting suggestions as to what is the best year explorer to search for. Under "Engine Choice", it suggests a 96-97 explorer for a 98 ranger because it doesnt have PATS, but ill have to address some fuel system items (pressure adjustment and add return line). So, in respect to engine/electronics simplicity, I understand that suggestion. That said, in the chart just below that statement, it says that the 99-01 explorer shares the same fuel pressure & returnless style system as my Ranger, while also using the axle VSS for the speedo (Id like to swap in the explorer axle as well). The downside is that I have to deal with PATS, which is solved later in the article. In the Speedo section, a statement is made that says "The speedometer may very well be one of your toughest obstacles. If you have a 1995-2000 Ranger you should try and get a 5.0L EFI setup that’s going to match the speedometer setup your Ranger has. This will simplify things for you".
It seems the 99-01 Explorer is the better choice for a 1998 Ranger, unless I am mistaken. Id prefer to deal with PATS over going through the work to add a fuel return line and deal with VSS issues.
Am I missing a key point here?
Thank you!

Swapping An Explorer 5.0L In To A 1998-2011 Ranger - The Ranger Station
Ford Explorer 5.0L V-8 In Ford Ranger* Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles for smog & engine requirements. >Certain states, such as California, require the same year or newer engine as the vehicle. Overview: Using the Explorer 5.0L wiring, … Continued
www.therangerstation.com
I have a 1998 2.5 auto truck and the plan is to 5.0/manual swap it (F150 4.2 trans). The article seems to have conflicting suggestions as to what is the best year explorer to search for. Under "Engine Choice", it suggests a 96-97 explorer for a 98 ranger because it doesnt have PATS, but ill have to address some fuel system items (pressure adjustment and add return line). So, in respect to engine/electronics simplicity, I understand that suggestion. That said, in the chart just below that statement, it says that the 99-01 explorer shares the same fuel pressure & returnless style system as my Ranger, while also using the axle VSS for the speedo (Id like to swap in the explorer axle as well). The downside is that I have to deal with PATS, which is solved later in the article. In the Speedo section, a statement is made that says "The speedometer may very well be one of your toughest obstacles. If you have a 1995-2000 Ranger you should try and get a 5.0L EFI setup that’s going to match the speedometer setup your Ranger has. This will simplify things for you".
It seems the 99-01 Explorer is the better choice for a 1998 Ranger, unless I am mistaken. Id prefer to deal with PATS over going through the work to add a fuel return line and deal with VSS issues.
Am I missing a key point here?
Thank you!