2006 FX4 Swap

[blueoval177]

Hi all, currently have a '06 Ranger FX4 Level II (auto). Plan to keep the truck till it dies so my missions is start gathering parts and knowledge and prepare for a swap. I feel this is a better approach to adding power vs the superchargers for the 4.0 SOHC unless someone has a better plan, so I have a few questions. EDIT: Planning for a 5.0 Explorer Swap, incl. tranny, and AWD tcase.

1) from what I understand the 4R70W 4-speed bolts in? Do I need a custom rear drive shaft?

2) I am not a big off-roader, street and towing duty is more my thing and I got lots of snow to deal with. Does the AWD T-case bolt in as well? Can I still retain the option of 2wd/AWD, but losing my low range? In essence, whats the least hassle for installation and in the long run to have 4x4/AWS. Firm believer in doing it right.

3) What would be the appropriate donor explorer with the least hassle for accessories, fuel system, and if it applies, anti-theft and electronics.

4) any other big issues involved running this 01+'s, cooling, etc.

I'll be doing lots of searching and learning, but these were my big questions so far. My end goal is to have 250-300 crank hp, and torque to shoot over 300, really want that torque! Thanks!

 

[dogboy]

Sorry, I don't have a lot of time right this moment and probably don't know many of your answers anyway, but saying what V-8 you plan to use would be a helpful thing. I would assume it's a 5.0L, but there are A LOT of different V8's out there.

 

[Chris.S.]

Sounds like he's planning on using whatever V8 the 01+ Explorer's are specced with?

 

[blueoval177]

sorry for the confusion, I am planning on going with the fuel injected 5.0 swap from an explorer, unless there is a better option? Was hoping to use the driveline from one as well. Would get either torque monster or FRPP headers if possible and do some small mods while its out, (port/polish heads, manifold,) E303 Cam?

 

[stegomon]

dual quad 460

 

[Mac]

Get the Torque Monsters, with the bigger collectors, good to 350-380 HP. The FRPP ones are basically none existant. Stay away from the "E" cam, better one would be the Comp Cam XE264HR-14. Tom Moss ports the intakes. There are guide lines out there for porting the GT-40P heads but you have to really be careful with the way they are designed. Other than that, find a late model Explorer in good shape and drop the whole drive train in. You're set with the rear end and radiator. Think some have gone to manual hubs up front also. Happy fun project!
Dave

 

[blueoval177]

Cool, thanks for the info. Will my ranger driveshaft bolt up to the explorer tranny without issues?

 

[Mac]

The drive shaft is usually the last thing to worry about with the length. One guy who has done the Explorer drive train in an earlier year has a lot of info here:
http://www.v8-ranger.com/blue/blue.php
Know of one (out in Iowa) who did the Explorer drive train swap into a late model and did the mechanical portion in a long four day week-end. Took two weeks total before he had all the little electrical kinks worked out and running.
Dave