2003 fx4 level 2 project

[North Idaho 5.oh]

Bought a VERY cheap fx4 level 2 with a bad motor.. (rear timing chain broke) Any suggestions on doing a 5.0 Conversion or staying with the 4.0?

 

[Rimjam]

Picture shows a pretty decent truck with its share of dings & dents but doesn't look ratted out. In that case the more nearly original it is the more it's gonna be worth to the next person down the line. If you're intent is to keep it forever, do anything you wish to "make it yours" just don't expect to get your time, effort or $ back if you do decide to sell it.

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

It’s really not a bad truck, the ONLY thing I really don’t like is the body lift. That’s one thing that will be removed. I think I am leaning more towards dropping in another SOHC. I don’t really plan to sell it, but who knows what the future holds. Only problem is finding a good LOW MILE engine.

 

[bobbywalter]

i love body lifts. especially during engine swaps.


theres more pro then con for them if done properly.

lower center of gravity and allowance of a larger tire and majorly easier maintenance of every kind.

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

I guess you’re right on that note, I just don’t like how this specific one was done.
The previous owner went as far as using bailing wire to hold up the “cold air intake” but all the stuff associated with the drop brackets was done very poorly.

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

UPDATE!
I am pulling the engine and trans out of the ranger this next weekend and going to start cleaning the engine and transmission from the donor etc...
I did find a donor! 05 sport trac in the pics!

 

[truckfan]

Nice project. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Dang it. Been looking for a level 2 like yours to tear down for parts for mine. ?

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

I am doing a drive train swap. I was super lucky and found an fx4 level 2 at the junk yard and was able to get the tranny and transfer case from it as well as the black interior. Only thing that sucked was that the shifters and boots were gone before I got there! The truck had super low miles though! Ended up there from being rolled

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

Upon further investigation I found out this sport trac I bought as a donor actually has a FORD remanufactured engine!
Here is a pic of the progress I’ve made with the sport trac!

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

Got the engine and trans out today. Been taking my time so I don’t mess anything up!

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

Another update... I got most of the front dress, fan shroud, and fan off including the intake... then it decided to start rain/snowing!

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

Took a little longer than expected to get to this point, but here it goes:
I ended up selling the Jasper transmission and that’s what is paying for this project which is nice. Got the engine out yesterday and the engine bay is all sprayed out.
Plan on painting it all black under there with chassis saver.
Next step with this is to set the engines next to each other and swap over necessary parts, sensors, thermostat housing, injectors, fuel rail, wiring harness etc....
Best part was.... I stepped out of the shop to see what was rustling around outside and a moose scared the heck out of me ?

 

[Uncle Gump]

That flywheel looks like it's been hot...

Can't ever say I've had a moose in my yard... That sum beach would fill a freezer!

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

That flywheel looks like it's been hot...

Can't ever say I've had a moose in my yard... That sum beach would fill a freezer!

Luckily I have all new clutch and hydraulics ready to go in this beauty.
As for the moose, we have those things all over up here... kinda nice and they do taste good ?