2003 Ranger Edge motor swap

[NO mind]

So I have a 2003 Ford Ranger Edge 2wd 3.0 5spd and looking for a new power plant.


I would LOVE to do the 302 swap but living in California makes the process convoluted. Since the explorer stopped getting the 302 in 2001, is there any way of performing the swap while still staying smog compliant?

I wouldn't mind the 4.0 SOHC swap, but I am unsure of what components are needed and there is little information in performing any swaps in 2001 or newer rangers. If I am just overlooking the link for this swap I'd appreciate any help in leading the blind.

I am considering getting the blocks as crate motors and getting the transmission, smog and wiring components separately but I don't know if that's a good idea or even a smog-able route.

I am also interested in eventually making this truck 4wd, but want to wait to get the full suspension setup from the fabrication shops in the links on this site. Since the Edge edition is a 2wd drivetrain on a 4wd chassis, I understand this is pretty straight forward to convert. If there is something I am missing or should acquire while performing the engine swap, please let me know.


I know this is a lot, but I've been contemplating this for awhile now and only finding new questions rather than answers. If someone could help start me down the road I am confident I can find my way, I'm just not sure where to begin. Any ideas or opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

[RonD]

Well you can buy a 4.0l SOHC Ranger, and with 4WD already added

This is why there is not alot of swap info out there on it, because why do it?
You need the engine and transmission, also the computer for 4.0l, which means changing ignition to match PATS(passive anti-theft system).
Also engine wiring harness which also needs to tie into main harness.

Money spent on a swap like that could get you a pretty good 4.0l SOHC Ranger, and no hassles from smog because it is a stock truck.

V8 swap was popular because you can't buy a stock V8 Ranger.

4WD swap on that new a truck is also a money waster since you can just buy a 4WD Ranger.

If you want 4WD then I would shop around.

Not trying to be a "Gloomy Gus" about the swaps just practical.

As far as juicing up the 3.0l have a look at Morana: http://www.moranav6racing.com/category.html?CategoryID=36
You can do what you want for extra horse power from the 3.0l it just needs to pass emissions testing, which you can do with computer programming, you can have a MPG setting, best emissions and MPG and you can have a Power setting, forget MPG and leave some rubber on the ground, lol.

 

[NO mind]

Thanks for the awesome info! Yeah I realize it's kinda silly to do the swap when I could potentially buy a Ranger already set up this way. Problem is a 4.0 4wd 5spd Ranger Edge is very hard to come by, and I love everything else about my truck. It may cost more, but at least when I'm done it'll be near new and upgraded rather than stock and still needing a tune and upgrade.

I've considered the tune route but it seems like a lot of money for little return, especially if I could tune the 4.0 even more so.

So for the swap I would just need to have all the necessary components and everything should just drop in WITHOUT modification/fabrication of anything?

 

[toledo_tommy]

A coupe of things I had to Mod was the heater box , the cooling fan , and the trans mount. I have a 93 splash that also had a 4.0 but it's only 2 wd. I do know that the 4.0 radiator will work with a 5.0. Also I think I remember reading on here that if you have a 4x4 Ranger a certain years explorer 5.0 is almost a direct bold in. There is a lot of useful information in these forums. Good luck

 

[NO mind]

Unfortunately I have not found any information regarding a 4.0 swap from 3.0 in a 2001+ (mine is 2003) Ranger. Thanks everyone for your advice!

 

[RonD]

The reason there is little info is, as said, it is not a good swap to do.
Rebuilding 3.0l with better cam and valve train would be money better spent