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2000 4.0L Interchange


henchman

Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2012
Messages
10
Vehicle Year
2002
Transmission
Automatic
Looking to change the engine in my 2000 Ranger 4x4, but am unsure which engines will interchange.
I found a 1999 and 2001 explorer with the 4.0L but the wrecking yard says they won't work in my Ranger. Anyone know what engine I can use?
Thanks.
 
You'll probably need to stick with a 98+ Ranger 4.0L. Some 2001 Rangers are the last year that will work in a 2000 IIRC. You might be able to use earlier than 1998, but there are variations in internal components that might prevent them from playing well with your truck.

2000 Ranger had the Over Head Valve (OHV) 4.0L, sometime around middle of 2001 model year they went to the Single Over Head Cam (SOHC) 4.0L. Most Explorers went to the 4.0L SOHC in 1997, a few still had the OHV until 2001, but I don't know the deciding factor. (factory option maybe?)

Check out the engine section of the tech library. The 4.0L article might have some interesting and helpful information for you. Also check out the 4.0 rebuild article, under the Engine Rebuilds / Swaps section of that page.
 
Realistically, you can use any 4.0L OHV engine from a Ranger, Explorer, Mazda B-series or the Mazda equivalent of an Explorer. You'll just have to use your wiring harness and any parts from your motor that don't match the "new" one.

Or if you want to get crazy... you can go to a 5.0L in your truck. 1998-2000 4x4 Rangers are the easiest for the swap, the information is all in the tech library on here.
 
I'm curious as to why the later models are easier for a 5.0 swap.
More room between the frame rails?
Different heater box?

I've got a 96 XLT that I thought would be a good candidate for the swap, but if later models are easier, maybe I'll unload it and get a later model to play with.
 
I'm curious as to why the later models are easier for a 5.0 swap.
More room between the frame rails?
Different heater box?

I've got a 96 XLT that I thought would be a good candidate for the swap, but if later models are easier, maybe I'll unload it and get a later model to play with.
Other models work for the swap, just more usually more wiring work involved unless you go with a carb'd 302. The 98-2000 4x4 automatic Rangers work best for the swap because you can find a drivetrain out of an Explorer or Mountaineer that will nearly drop in. For the most part, the wiring harness hooks right up (I think I had to splice something like 5 wires) and the anti-theft stuff will swap right in so it's plug and play (you'll need the computer, PATS module, ignition cylinder and keys out of the donor truck). Driveshafts match up so it makes for an easy swap. But like I said, there's a narrow window of what Rangers work and what Explorer/Mountaineers work for the swap. Anything outside of that, and you're back into splicing wires and making things work. Of course, there are some decent write-ups about doing it on older and newer trucks too in the tech library.

When I put together the one I did, my dad had bought a 2000 Ranger, extended cab, 4x4, auto, fully loaded, but with a bad 4.0L. We were going to replace the 4.0L, but then he stumbled across a deal on a Mountaineer of the right year that had the 302... so... yea... father/son project that resulted in an awesome little toy for us to drive. That is, until some jerk ran a red light and totaled it while I was driving and messed up my hip. Frame is bent like a banana. I'd like to have one of those again someday though. Real shame, it was a beautiful truck.
 
Other models work for the swap, just more usually more wiring work involved unless you go with a carb'd 302. The 98-2000 4x4 automatic Rangers work best for the swap because you can find a drivetrain out of an Explorer or Mountaineer that will nearly drop in. For the most part, the wiring harness hooks right up (I think I had to splice something like 5 wires) and the anti-theft stuff will swap right in so it's plug and play (you'll need the computer, PATS module, ignition cylinder and keys out of the donor truck). Driveshafts match up so it makes for an easy swap. But like I said, there's a narrow window of what Rangers work and what Explorer/Mountaineers work for the swap. Anything outside of that, and you're back into splicing wires and making things work. Of course, there are some decent write-ups about doing it on older and newer trucks too in the tech library.

When I put together the one I did, my dad had bought a 2000 Ranger, extended cab, 4x4, auto, fully loaded, but with a bad 4.0L. We were going to replace the 4.0L, but then he stumbled across a deal on a Mountaineer of the right year that had the 302... so... yea... father/son project that resulted in an awesome little toy for us to drive. That is, until some jerk ran a red light and totaled it while I was driving and messed up my hip. Frame is bent like a banana. I'd like to have one of those again someday though. Real shame, it was a beautiful truck.
Dont even attempt the swap on an 04 up unless you like getting very intimate with wiring as pretty much nothing electrical is compatible, been there done that.
 
lil_Blue_Ford;1536961 When I put together the one I did said:
Thanks for the response and sorry to hear about your injury.
 

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