1999 2.5 -> 4.0 SOHC help

[Bsmalone]

ok so fun scenario that ive got and i just wanna make sure ive got this worked out. I have a 1999 ford ranger 2.5 manual 2wd thats about at the end of its life for the motor and long story short im not willing to fix it id rather spend more and change it. At the parts yard i can get a 4.0 sohc from a few different 98-00 rangers but none are manual. Theres also a 2000 explorer sport trac with a 4.0, manual, 2wd, and a D2 8.8. But its motor is toast (front end damage but trans and axle survived.) If i get the motor, mounts, and and accessories from one of the rangers and then the ecu, harness, trans, and axle from the explorer (i know i dont need the exle but i want it anyway cause lsd and 4.10 gears) would there be anything im missing to drop it in? And harness issues? Am i missing anything? If what i read is right/if i read it right, then that should be all i need for a near factory install. Any help or suggestions is appreciated.

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

nope everything should transfer over. one thing to look at will be your fuel lines. i dont know if you have a return style or returnless fuel rail set up on your 2.5 but any 4.0 sohc will be returnless EXCEPT FOR one out of a 1997 explorer.
get the gauge cluster as well. just in case

 

[19Walt93]

In NH an engine swap on a 99 wouldn't pass emissions inspection. If that isn't a concern in your state there a couple things you can do to make the swap easier. If you can get a complete donor vehicle it'll save a fortune on the "small stuff" that adds up so fast. I'd also avoid an SOHC 4.0 earlier than 2004. I worked at a Ford dealer for 42 years, bought 2 new 4.0 SOHC Rangers and had no problems with them but still don't like the engine. If you want to stay with something that was originally offered I'd prefer a 4.0 ohv to an SOHC because it's simpler.

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

what did they change in 2004?

 

[Dirtman]

Pre 2004 4.0 sohc engines had the bad timing chain tensioners that were prone to failure. 2004+ got upgraded parts that fixed that issue. Though if you have the engine out you can just slap the new design tensioners and guides on a pre 2004. Id replace everything anyway because its a hassle to fix later on. (Motor has to come back out).

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

got it. thanks

 

[Snoranger]

Pre 2004 4.0 sohc engines had the bad timing chain tensioners that were prone to failure. 2004+ got upgraded parts that fixed that issue. Though if you have the engine out you can just slap the new design tensioners and guides on a pre 2004. Id replace everything anyway because its a hassle to fix later on. (Motor has to come back out).

2004+ got less shitty parts. They basically put a band aid on the problem for a few years, then abandoned the engine. I’ve only seen a few of the “better” motors jump timing and destroy themselves, but I’ve heard a lot of them clicking and clacking.
The 4.0 OHV is the best of the Cologne family.

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

Thats a bold statement lol

 

[Snoranger]

Thats a bold statement lol

Please allow me to quote @PetroleumJunkie412 or @Dirtman

Come at me bro.

 

[Bsmalone]

nope everything should transfer over. one thing to look at will be your fuel lines. i dont know if you have a return style or returnless fuel rail set up on your 2.5 but any 4.0 sohc will be returnless EXCEPT FOR one out of a 1997 explorer.
get the gauge cluster as well. just in case

Ill be sure to check that fuel system out but if im not wrong its already reternless. If not ill scoop it up. And funny enough ive already got its gauge cluster in the car. I added ot for the tach.

 

[Bsmalone]

emissions in kansas doesnt exist luckily lol. So i wont have to worry about that. I do plan to replace the timing components since ill have it out so minus well. Will the 04+ parts bolt right up to a 2000 block or do i need an 04+ engine. And if i need an 04+ block (which wouldnt cost me any more) would it bolt up with with the 99 trans and harness and ecu without issues like sensors or check engine lights? If it just drops right in i dont really see a reason not to grab that instead

 

[Snoranger]

The updated timing components will fit any year SOHC.

 

[Bsmalone]

The updated timing components will fit any year SOHC.

Ok cool. Ill grab the engine in the best shape and add later set of timing components.

Out of curiosity what years and models did the ohv 4.0 come in. I imagine if i used that id need the computer and harness out of whatever i got it out of. Unless its pretty well a drop in im not gunna jump on it but if its there and ready and REALLY that much better then it might be worth it but i dont wanna jump through a bunch of extra hoops.

Also thank you all for the input so far

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Please allow me to quote @PetroleumJunkie412 or @Dirtman

Come at me bro.

In the spirit of the pandemic, I now feel it necessary to deliver donuts to you.

Lots of donuts.

 

[Bsmalone]

Well after doing some research on both engines i think id still prefer the sohc anyway. Ill just get the 04+ timing parts new and refresh anything that looks worn or used up and i dont think ill have any issues.
Thank you all