4.0 or 5.b

[86MUDRCJ]

I have wanted to do a 5.0 swap for awhile but everybody says that it would be better if I buy the whole vehicle at one time. What I've also heard is that the sploder is the best one to choose from. But there aren't many 5.0 explorers around here. So how do I go about this? Do I just start buying parts here and there or wait till I find a whole vehicle.

 

[superdave1984]

Buying the whole vehicle gives you the transmission and wiring and computer and all the rest of the stuff needed for the engine. So if you can it's the best way to go. Look into auctions for repo or police seized vehicles. Usually you can buy stuff cheap that way.

 

[4.0B2]

you'd need all of it.... so i'd try to find a whole donor.. unless you know you can get motor/trans/tcase/wiring/computer out of the same vehicle. i wouldn't wanna try to piece that together. different years means minor changers that could cause big headaches..


but-- what i tell everyone. knowing what i know now, i wouldn't do a 5.0 swap in a b2 or early ranger... mainly b/c that 4.0 swap was super easy. even set down on the same motor mounts, and you can use the trans and t/case you have now, for a limited amount of time at least... the 4.0 is nice. yeah the 5.0 has more power but....... the 4.0 will surprise you if you're used to a 2.9...

i wouldn't go back and do a 5.0 swap since i know how much i love my 4.0

 

[Mac]

Going to buck the trend in a way. Go for the Explorer motor, found several out in CA with less than 100K miles for under $850. 90% of the time, wires are cut, damaged and missing the CPU. Not sure what trans you are using but the Explorers only come with the 4R70W auto and the AWD xfer case. Not sure how you like wiring but I'd hate to tackle the wiring. Most have used the manual and xfer case from a F-150 and converted the wiring and computer to a '93' Mustang style. Lots of different ways to do it.
Dave

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

you'd need all of it.... so i'd try to find a whole donor.. unless you know you can get motor/trans/tcase/wiring/computer out of the same vehicle. i wouldn't wanna try to piece that together. different years means minor changers that could cause big headaches..


but-- what i tell everyone. knowing what i know now, i wouldn't do a 5.0 swap in a b2 or early ranger... mainly b/c that 4.0 swap was super easy. even set down on the same motor mounts, and you can use the trans and t/case you have now, for a limited amount of time at least... the 4.0 is nice. yeah the 5.0 has more power but....... the 4.0 will surprise you if you're used to a 2.9...

i wouldn't go back and do a 5.0 swap since i know how much i love my 4.0

Problem with getting a whole donar is there is usally something about it you won't like so you either need multiple donars or a lot of JY crawlin. Explorer has the best bang for buck on engine but unless you want an AWD automatic you have some wiring issues to sort out... it is just hard to always get what you want in one package in one swipe.

Basic powertrain of mine is a '87 5.0, some sort of V8 C5 with a RBV C5 tailhousing that was already set up when I got it and my '85 BW1350M transfer case. Only kinda regret is I don't have OD for long drives, but compared to my other "nice" truck it doesn't have a whole lot going for it anyway (no AC, cruise, legroom, adjustable seat...) It isn't a HO but is still very spunky around town, gets decent milage if I behave and stay out of the 4bbl, sounds great... basically it is an all around riot to drive in an otherwise stockish truck.

If you are going to put a 4.0 in a truck count on doing a tranny while you are there, because you will back there doing it anyway. I figured if I am going to have to change most of my powertrain I am going to have fun with it... and fun I have had.

Lots of different ways to do it.
Dave

Understatement of the week.

 

[4.0B2]

but the 4.0 swap was almost bolt up compared to everything you just said...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

but the 4.0 swap was almost bolt up compared to everything you just said...

I only drilled three holes and everything bolted up on mine too.

You are going to change the engine and transmission to 4.0 spec stuff and bolt on the stock transfer case, same as I did.

I won't argue that it isn't more work or that you might have to use your noggin to get it done, but IMHO it is worth it. If nothing else it is a very rewarding project.

 

[4.0B2]

i wouldn't have thought twice about using my stock a4ld behind the 4.0... well i actually did for awhile. when i changed it, i thought i had trans trouble but it was really the vss..

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

i wouldn't have thought twice about using my stock a4ld behind the 4.0... well i actually did for awhile. when i changed it, i thought i had trans trouble but it was really the vss..

I killed my first A4LD with a dying 2.8... no way I would waste my time redoing it after the fact. I am there and most of the bolts are out, we are going to fix it right. Pull original engine with trans, drop new engine in with trans and away we go.

 

[4.0B2]

yeah there ya go...

but i aint had issues w/ my a4ld tho. lol

 

[86MUDRCJ]

So which is the better one to do?lol im alittle confused because both of them sound like they have their own little setbacks.lol

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

So which is the better one to do?lol im alittle confused because both of them sound like they have their own little setbacks.lol

Well that depends really.

If you have an A4LD now and either put a A4LD or M5OD in with the 4.0 it would be easier. No driveshaft altering.

But if you have one of the manuals that vary in length the only thing you really have to worry about is the cooling system and exhaust. My truck had a crappy exhaust so that was a non issue too.

 

[86MUDRCJ]

Well that depends really.

If you have an A4LD now and either put a A4LD or M5OD in with the 4.0 it would be easier. No driveshaft altering.

But if you have one of the manuals that vary in length the only thing you really have to worry about is the cooling system and exhaust. My truck had a crappy exhaust so that was a non issue too.

i do have the manual and what would i do just pull the radiator and stuff out too? and exhaust i can do myself i know how to do that.

 

[Sultan]

Ok when I have asked about a 5.0 vs a 4.0 into an 88 Ranger 2wd I get two answers, with the 4.0 you will want to swap the dash and the 5.0 is the same amount of work with more benifit.

What I don't get is why is it "best" to swap out the dash for a 4.0 and not a 5.0.

 

[4.0B2]

Idk that either. But I did a 4.0 swap and kept the 1st gen dash... It's just a little wiring