2.9 to 4.0 swap, old to new ???'s

[PritchSVT97]

I apologize for the noob post, I have hunted around the site and have not quite found all of the info I need. Looking to the knowledge base here for insight, if its anything like the Corral I will not be disappointed. If it is easier to direct me to sites that can answer my questions please do.

OK here's the deal: buddy of mine has an '89 Ranger xcab 4x4 auto. Motor is toast, he loves the truck and wants to fix it. Estimates to replace the 2.9 with used or reman was $2500- $3500. Not in a huge hurry to repair it, he asked me for help. I started poking around and found that a 4.0 swap would probably best serve his needs. He's game, so here we are.

Tonight we put a deposit down on a '00 Explorer 4.0L auto 4x4. Got the entire running / moving drivetrain for $1100. We will pick it up next weekend. All of the swaps I found were from vehicles that were of similar years, generally closer to the intended donor.

What is involved in mating the Explorer engine wiring to the Ranger chassis harness? I will have access to the entire Explorer wiring, etc so we can swap anything needed. Right now I plan to do engine/trans/transfer case but it looks like the rear ends are an upgrade also from the '89 stuff. If they fit fine then we will swap them as well.

Any help is appreciated, as well as improvements we can do and upgrades while making the change. Thanks!

 

[Hahnsb2]

There is going to be a TON of wiring involved with an 11 year difference in rigs. Generally for that truck you want to use a 90-94 4.0. All I can say is get some wiring diagrams and good luck.
As far as improvements, dump the auto tranny, ford can't make an overdrive auto to save their life.

 

[PritchSVT97]

There is going to be a TON of wiring involved with an 11 year difference in rigs. Generally for that truck you want to use a 90-94 4.0. All I can say is get some wiring diagrams and good luck.
As far as improvements, dump the auto tranny, ford can't make an overdrive auto to save their life.

I figured. I'm wondering if using the dash cluster out of the Explorer will be a necessity and the dash harness as well. Should be fun.

I will have to document the swap as we go in case anyone else cares to do it. Would probably be less of a pain to just drop the Ranger body on the Explorer frame.

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

I've never done a EEC-V engine to EEC-IV vehicle swap but I've heard that it's a real pain in the rear and most people give up before they're done.

On the other hand, putting a 91-94 4.0 in a formerly 2.9 equipped vehicle is as simple as switching the fuel lines, throttle cable, plugging the 4.0's engine harness into the vehicles harness (assuming the 2.9 is an 89+, otherwise some of the connectors are different), dropping the engine in and firing it up.

 

[bobbywalter]

big problem is if it is sohc the oil pan and ttb if it is ttb still. if its ohv you can use earlier stuff to accomodte things all the way around.

wiring? its not to bad depending on goals, with this setup i would be taking most of it and leaving it intact so its really not a big problem

 

[PritchSVT97]

big problem is if it is sohc the oil pan and ttb if it is ttb still. if its ohv you can use earlier stuff to accomodte things all the way around.

wiring? its not to bad depending on goals, with this setup i would be taking most of it and leaving it intact so its really not a big problem

Im pretty good with acronym's but not sure what you mean by ttb. Only immediate goal is a good running driving truck, other than exhaust and a tune it will be stock.

We have every stitch of wiring from the Explorer available, it still runs/drives. Im thinking it may be best to use the Explorer engine harness and maybe switch the gauges to aftermarket for oil psi, temp, etc.

Anyone know if you can use the Explorer rear suspension/springs/rear directly with in the Ranger? I have seen the thread about moving the spring mounts when doing the swap using Ranger spring and Explorer axle.

 

[bobbywalter]

ttb is the front suspension design on an 89. if its stock its ttb. sas is a straight or solid axle swap. running a solid axle opens up engine combos for a ranger to limitless if its a regular automotive type engine.

 

[PritchSVT97]

ttb is the front suspension design on an 89. if its stock its ttb. sas is a straight or solid axle swap. running a solid axle opens up engine combos for a ranger to limitless if its a regular automotive type engine.

What does the Explorer run for front axle and are they interchangeable?