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

[lil_Blue_Ford]

its possible but we up-size engines not down-size

You do realize you’re responding to someone who hasn’t been here in 12 years, right?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

If I can ever get my EVTMs (the last one I need has not arrived, probably due to the postal service failing to deliver any useful mail to me in the last two weeks), I’m planning to work through the electrical on my 4.0 OHV swap in my 89 B2. It’s more or less worked for years but I’m not entirely convinced that it’s correct. As much as I’ve been driving it lately, getting that all cleaned up is somewhat high on the priority list, so I may have some more to contribute to this all…

 

[ranger man'02]

The transmissions will not interchange. The bellhouse bolt pattern is different.

I thought he was going to swap in a new manaul not keep the same one

 

[ranger man'02]

You do realize you’re responding to someone who hasn’t been here in 12 years, right?

yes sir its not just for him as you can see it just became a small discussion

 

[ranger man'02]

i dont agree. i would rather have an ecoboost 2.0 or 2.3.

way mo bettah.

Total Lift sawzall?

 

[bobbywalter]

Total Lift sawzall?

yes

 

[ranger man'02]

yes





View attachment 140080

thats not a ranger thats a ford danger

 

[McFate]

@Jim Oaks or anyone here I am doing a swap on a '85 Bronco II XLS swapping in a 4.0 form a '95 explorer. If I update the gauges in the B2 dash to digital, can I just use the Explorer harness without having to splice? I want to keep the 4.0 dash but also would like to simplify the wiring.

 

[Curious Hound]

Personally, I like the earlier (85) dash arrangement. I believe it might allow you to replace individual gauges with retro-looking digital gauges. Your speedometer may be the biggest challenge and it really isn't difficult. Your 85 speedo is mechanically driven. I believe you will find that the 95 Explorer receives a signal from an electronic speed sensor.

You really need the wiring diagrams for both vehicles to figure out what will be coming from your new 4.0l wiring harness and what you will keep from the original 85 harness. If you use digital gauges for oil pressure and coolant temperature, you may need new sensors that are compatible with the digital gauges. It depends on what gauges you use. Things like turn signal inducators, high beam indicator, etc. Will remain as wired boriginally. CEL light, you'll have to sort out because that comes from the ECU and the wiring for your new ECU is different from the old one.

I'm going through a similar process with my 5.0l swap. But I'm using a complete stand-alone digital touchscreen display.

@85_Ranger4x4 may be converting his 85 gauges to digital in his project. He is using an aftermarket ECU. But he may have some useful insight for you.

Also, I'm assuming your donor Explorer has an OBDII diagnostic port. You may want to pull that wiring and mount it somewhere in your Bronco for ease of diagnostic troubleshooting in the future.

 

[McFate]

@Curious Hound I appreciate the info that will definitely help. I already have both the Chilton's and the Haynes Manuals so I should be good there.

These are the gauges I am hoping to use - https://www.autometer.com/2-pc-gauge-kit-5-quad-tach-speedo-combo-240-33-oec-designer-black-ii.html
and it looks like it ships with a bunch of different connector types.

I also just saw that they sell a Ford specific mechanical to digital plugin for the speedo.