$2000 swap?

[1pokeyRanger]

So to the Guru's:

I have a 2000 ranger 3.0. If I can get this 2000 Exploder 5.0 AWD for $2,000 complete and running with 140k miles is it worth it? I'd use the axles, wheels and entire drivetrain. Or should I piece it together over time?...

 

[Dan B.]

I'm a big fan of the "donor" vehicle swap method. The donor will likely have all the wiring, hoses and lines needed for the entire swap. When piecing together from "a motor a guy sold me" and a "tranny someone gave me", etc can make for some frustrated searching and head scratching.

I did mine via the donor vehicle method and was complete and running in a matter of weeks (worked on it when time allowed). I had three friends start various driveline swaps from pieces...two of them never got done. The last was so cobbled together that it was not even safe for the road.

 

[Spdrcer34]

Check Craigslist.....I picked up a wrecked 5.0L Explorer for $450. Complete with Leather Interior, and all....

I'm in the process of doing a full swap....dash, console, engine, trans.....

Parking 2 vehicles next to each other and performing the swap is WAY easier than multiple trips to the junkyard and getting nickel and dimed over every little piece that is required.

Ryan

 

[BlackBII]

I agree^

2000$ is steep for what I would pay for a full donor. Usually, you can find a wrecked one, with a good drivetrain for around 500$ from what I've seen on Craigslist etc.

Are you plannig on using the AWD?

 

[1pokeyRanger]

At first just to get the thing running as soon as possible I would use the AWD. The ranger is a daily driver, so I can't have it torn down too long. I would like to put in a selectible Hi/Lo xfer case tho.
I have been checking CL, and this is the first 2000 5.0 sploder I've found under $5,000. I found a 2003, but it had the 4.0 and he only wanted $700 complete. If I'm going to do the swap it might as well be for the big guns. I wish I knew someone who can bid on insurance vehicle that have been totaled out....