2.8 to 4.0 questions

[Diego H]

I’m considering a 4.0 swap in my 84 2.8 I found two possible donors a 92 or 94 explorer both are autos and I’d like to keep my manual would this be a huge problem for wiring or with the computers?

 

[Brain75]

crossing generations (1st to 2nd/3rd) is a lot more wiring than sticking with the same generation... that said 1st gen had no 4.0's they were introduced in 2nd gen and since you got a 1st gen you got to do with what you got..
tech articles have a bunch of stuff on doing this look under engine tech, scroll down 80% of the way to swaps.
An auto computer (with a computerized trans) looks for the tranny and without it throws a constant CEL and idles high. need a computer out of the right config but with a manual trans if you keep your trans.

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the biggest answer to your wiring is gonna be the article "wiring a 4.0 to an 83-88 dash".

 

[Diego H]

Would both the auto and manual computers have the same plug-ins? Then I could just buy a computer for a manual right?

 

[Brain75]

yup... more than one person here who has it on their shopping list post swap.

 

[SenorNoob]

I got my harness from a 91 Explorer with ALL the options (Auto, PL, PW, DRL, Block Heater, ETC) and run a manual. The PCM is identical externally.

 

[gaz]

@Diego H
I recommend a 93 or 94 Explorer, full harness and PCM, primarily because of the component layout. There were two OHV 4.0l versions offered for those years:
• California SFI MAF EDIS
• Federal MFI MAF EDIS
The California offers Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) with +10% fuel efficiency.

Adding both the dash and column from the donor vehicle can reduce wire splicing woes but add several modest structural changes. I chose to purchase a complete 94 SFI Explorer as I wanted the best possible fuel 4.0l economy and a clean overall final installation...as close to plug and play as possible.

 

[Diego H]

Ok thanks a lot, my plan is to keep the original dash in the truck I know it’s more work but it looks better, I’m still trying to find a good donor but we’ll see what happens