4.6L V8 in 2003?

[d2_willys]

I am thinking of doing some stuff to my 03 Ranger. It has over 100K on the Vulcan V6 and am thinking ahead when the engine gets tired. It also has the 5 speed automatic.

Questions: Will it (4.6L) fit and how hard is it to do the swap. What problems might I expect. And what about the transmission? Did the 4.6L use a similar 5 speed automatic in 03?

Any links regarding this swap would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[BlueChariot]

The modular 4.6, which is what I'm assuming you're refering too, will have massive clearance issues.

This Tech Library article explains why most people go with a 302 for their swap:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.html

 

[Mac]

The 4.6 has been dropped into the later models, even the DOHC version. Good write ups and info here. Sure not the easy swap as the 5.0L

1998 Ranger 2WD - 4.6 dohc, Ford prototype intake, custom headers, 4R70W trans, 8.8 rear, 4.10s, trac-lok, aluminum drive shaft, Lakewood traction bars,Mark VIII guages, Explorer buckets, Mark VIII shifter, rear auxiliary fuel tank (no midship), relocated fuel door, fiberglass tonneau cover
Best 1/4 mile ET: 13.64 (corrected) w/3.73s

http://281ranger.homestead.com
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2052265

Dave of the Nord

Edit: Remembered I had this 2003 5.0L build-up saved, his picture is top center.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/727284/2003-ford-ranger-super-cab/page-1

 

[stmitch]

Just like any other engine swap, you'll need to get the engine, trans, computer, MAF, and wiring harness for the new motor. Exhaust and motor mounts will have to be custom. Probably have to do a custom driveshaft too. And you'll have to move the brake booster.

 

[Daniel C]

I've always heard you will lose your AC.

 

[shane96ranger]

The 4.6 has been dropped into the later models, even the DOHC version. Good write ups and info here. Sure not the easy swap as the 5.0L

1998 Ranger 2WD - 4.6 dohc, Ford prototype intake, custom headers, 4R70W trans, 8.8 rear, 4.10s, trac-lok, aluminum drive shaft, Lakewood traction bars,Mark VIII guages, Explorer buckets, Mark VIII shifter, rear auxiliary fuel tank (no midship), relocated fuel door, fiberglass tonneau cover
Best 1/4 mile ET: 13.64 (corrected) w/3.73s

http://281ranger.homestead.com
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2052265

Dave of the Nord

Edit: Remembered I had this 2003 5.0L build-up saved, his picture is top center.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/727284/2003-ford-ranger-super-cab/page-1

Once again Dave provides top notch information!

 

[Mac]

Once again Dave provides top notch information!

Well, retired and deeply into all Fords, sitting here watching it rain (again) and its all the way up to, well, now down to 64 degs. I remember actually going out under my stang and measuring the frame distance and the distance between the header down pipes. Working on these new Mod motors must be like what the old timers experienced when they went from the flat heads to the OHV's. Don't get me wrong, love my 4.6 but it has it's place.
Dave of the Nord
Thanks again Shane!!!!!

 

[Original_Ranger84]

I've always heard you will lose your AC.

Psssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..... AC.... who needs AC when your truck will have you doing 100+ in no time?

Well its sounds like it is possible however your first problem is the 3.0L... its gonna run forever probably.

 

[Mac]

I've always heard you will lose your AC.

Not with the '98' and newer when using the 5.0L Explorer. The elbow at the TB makes it possible.
Dave of the Nord

 

[shane96ranger]

Not with the '98' and newer when using the 5.0L Explorer. The elbow at the TB makes it possible.
Dave of the Nord

I just so happen to have one of the elbows and the throttle cable bracket just sitting here. I put it in the classifieds - hoping to help someone out.

Here's what I have:

And my classified link.

http://www.therangerstation.com/for...y.php?e=885&catid=searchresults&searchid=4459

 

[d2_willys]

Psssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..... AC.... who needs AC when your truck will have you doing 100+ in no time?

Well its sounds like it is possible however your first problem is the 3.0L... its gonna run forever probably.

I agree with the 3.0L running forever. That engine is going to be around awhile, but the thought of going 4.6L or even 5.4L modular is intriguing. Saw that the program TRUCKS did this conversion on an 02. They started by removing the body, this gives me the impression that some heavy duty mods are needed.

The links mentioned in a previous post were valuable and showed the brake booster still in there, but also mentioned offseting the engine by 1" to the passenger side. I think it was for steering clearance.

As far as A/C, well there are many ways to skin a cat! I was thinking of putting the evap core inside the car. Hell maybe make a heat pump out of the A/C and get rid of the heater core and it's plumbing. The A/C will probably take a back seat to all the other stuff to be done.

Please don't laugh or criticize, but I was even thinking a mini-hemi mopar might work real nice in the Ranger.

Don't think I will ever get this swapping stuff out of my mind!

Thanks for all the info, and if more please post.