4.0L (OHV) Conversion FAQ's (Read Before Posting)

[Jim Oaks]

Please read through the following links before posting any questions. If you then have any questions or want to clarify something in regards to a 4.0L swap, feel free to post.

4.0L Conversion FAQs

4.0L (OHV) Conversion

4.0L Conversion - Explorer To Bronco II

4.0L Conversion On Older Ford V-6's

More Links:

Overdrive on A4LD doesn't work after 4.0L conversion - Click HERE.

Another A4LD overdrive wiring discussion - Click HERE.

4.0L won't start - Neutral Safety Switch - Click HERE.

Fuel Lines - CLick HERE.

What 4.0L to use - Click HERE.

What harnesses work best on 1983-1988 Ranger - Click HERE.

More on harness selection - Click HERE.

You can't use a 1983-1988 harness (Unless your AllanD) - Click HERE.

1992 Ranger 4.0L in to a 1991 2.9L Ranger - Click HERE.

4.0L swap in to a 1993-1994 Ranger - Click HERE.

4.0L swap in to a 1988 Ranger - Click HERE.

2000 3.0L to a 4.0L SOHC - Click HERE.

 

[Jim Oaks]

There was a sticky in this forum from Jrod-13. I was cleaning out some info to compile it and somehow accidently erased the whole thread. If you had a recent post in that sticky I appologize.

 

[neojdt]

I have a question thats probably hasn't been asked. I own a 2003 ranger 4x4 with a manual trans. I really like the truck & want to keep it but the fuel economy really sucks. I wanted to know if was possible to get the same year 2.3L & swap it out with the 4.0 thats in it now & still use the same manual trans that it already has. Thanks

 

[tylerhertz10]

Ok got a 96 donor with a 4.0 my truck is a 94 4.0 can I use the old intake harness and ecm with the 96 4.0? Don’t want all the egr mess. Trying to simplify the swap


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[99RadRanger]

Jim,

First and foremost, amazing site, amazing detail, amazing help! Absolutely insane detail!

Second, I sort of need some help and I think this is an easy question, but, I just bought a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4, Manual Transmission with NO ENGINE in it. The Ranger originally came with a 4.0L Ford Cologne V6 OHV engine in it. I would like to put the most powerful, upgradable, and least known issues, 4.0L Ford Cologne V6 SOHC version they had (if I can find it). (Ultimately I am interested in doing a V6 OHV swap to a V6 SOHC, and want to know if there are any issues or if it is possible).

Couple Questions (if you would be so kind to answer, or help me with direction):
1) Can you put a 4.0L V6 SOHC Engine in a Ranger that had originally a 4.0L V6 OHV Engine in it? If so, I assume this swap is easy?
2) Can I use the wire harness, computer, etc. on the original Ranger (because it had a 4.0L V6 OHV already in it previously) be able to be reused to install the 4.0L V6 SOHC? If so, I assume it is plug and play?

I have read pretty much all of your articles, and I can't seem to find a confirming yes to this question..

I eventually would like to get what ever V6 engine you suggest, tear it down, and rebuild it, possibly with performance parts and and add a supercharger potentially. Ultimately I would like to get above the 250 threshold for HP and TQ while maintaining a Manual transmission and a V6 engine that I can work on.

I appreciate any advice you can give, and I am open to all of the suggestions, and if you do not have time, I understand, but any advice you can give me would be extremely helpful, and much appreciated!

 

[TAZ97RANGER]

I have a 97 Ranger with the ohv 4.0, I also have a 97 explorer with the sohc 4.0.
I have read the article about doing this and wanted to ask if I use the computer from the sohc motor will all the pins line up in my wiring harness or will I need to move the harness over as well. Thank you

 

[SenorNoob]

I doubt anyone can answer that for sure, but I'd say it's likely unless there are sensors on the SOHC that the OHV didn't have. (Maybe multiple cam position sensors? IDK)

I do know that an SOHC has been run with an older (OBD1) OHV computer. The poster went to OBD2 pretty quickly. No idea why.

 

[Snoranger]

I doubt anyone can answer that for sure, but I'd say it's likely unless there are sensors on the SOHC that the OHV didn't have. (Maybe multiple cam position sensors? IDK)

I do know that an SOHC has been run with an older (OBD1) OHV computer. The poster went to OBD2 pretty quickly. No idea why.

I ran a SOHC of a OHV computer for about a year… then I swapped in a Cummins 4BT.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I have a 97 Ranger with the ohv 4.0, I also have a 97 explorer with the sohc 4.0.
I have read the article about doing this and wanted to ask if I use the computer from the sohc motor will all the pins line up in my wiring harness or will I need to move the harness over as well. Thank you

If you’re swapping motors, it’s generally accepted that the engine harness and computer needs to follow the engine unless you’re doing something totally custom or a straight up motor replacement

 

[SenorNoob]

How'd it do? The only one I was aware of was on ExplorerForum...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

How'd it do? The only one I was aware of was on ExplorerForum...

@snoranger

 

[Snoranger]

How'd it do? The only one I was aware of was on ExplorerForum...

I ran a SOHC out of a wrecked ‘01 Explorer sport in my ‘95 Explorer off the original OHV computer. There were some issues, but nothing I couldn’t figure my way around. (I used to be a Ford master tech in years gone by.) The biggest issue was the cam sync.
If you want to run sequential fuel injection, you need a cam synchronizer… the SOHC uses a different signal. They just use a cam position sensor that produces a different type of signal. The easiest work around I found was to take an OHV cam sync and a SOHC cam drive plug, throw them on my lathe, machine them down to press together, tig weld them, and wind up with a custom made SOHC cam sync.