5.0 or 4.0 swap

[BigD74]

I have a 99 ranger 3.0 5 speed manual 4x4. i want to put either a 4.0 or 5.0 in it. i want to keep the manual transmission and electric shift transfercase. Will the 4.0 bolt up to my trans? What modification, parts, and how much money am i looking at? its getting a 3in body lift soon and it has the torsion bar suspension. what vehicle should i get the motor out of and what all should i take? i have plans for 35" tires and dont think the 3.0 will turn them to well and pull my car trailer. any help would be appreciated. thanks

 

[bobbywalter]

no...the 4.0/5.0 dont bolt up to a 3.0.



but a 4.0 cammer and 456 gear will do the job well and easy to swap

 

[BigD74]

4.0 cammer? im not up on all the terms. and i live in the mountains and need the power for all the hills

 

[Wraith1013]

4.0 cammer? im not up on all the terms. and i live in the mountains and need the power for all the hills

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the 4.0L SOHC motor that replaced the OHV 4.0L in Rangers in either 2000 or 2001. Hope that helps.

 

[superman22x]

The 4.0L should be enough to move it along with 456 gears, but if you are going to the work of a swap, it may be better to just pick up a 5.0 and C-4. 5.0s are much easier to find for sale on craigslist I think, and the transmission that is stock behind the 4.0L is still pretty weak... Although I think you can adapt a 4.0 to a C-4.

 

[Mac]

Again, the key words are he's got the later model year Ranger so have to be kind of careful on what swaps in really easy. Want some good power, just follow along and use the power train out of a later Explorer - Truck of the Year.
Dave

 

[superman22x]

I thought the mounts from mustangs or at least convertable mustangs bolted right into the new year rangers?

 

[BigD74]

well if i was going to go through the trouble of the swap i think i would use the 5.0 and built it up some. but i would like to keep my manual. im not a big fan of autos. i like banging through the gears. any suggestions for a tranny that will bolt up to the explorer 5.0 and fit in the ranger with little modification and what i to get it out of? whatever tranny i use i should be able to find an adapter so it will bolt up to my stock ranger tcase.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

If your going through the trouble of a 302 id go for a 351W.

That'll give ya plenty of torque for any hill.

later,
Dustin

 

[Mac]

There really is no problem with puttng the Explorer 5.0 into the later ('98 and newer) Rangers. A 351 is a whole lot different. Only 5.0 headers that are worth getting, especially if modifing the motor, are the $750 Torque Monster headers and they are only 1 1/2" tubes but good up to 350-380 HP. The guy does some wonderful work, my next set is coming in on Friday to fit my AFR 165 heads.

Not sure if you checked out the great tech write up above on the Explorer/Ranger swap. Most of the swap and things to watch for are all there. Even the stock 5.0 Explorer motor mount fit in the 4x4 or torson bar front ends.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/5_0_swap_in_newer_ranger.html
Don't mention anything about a manual trans but I know others here will say to use the Mazda trans and transfer case out of a F-150.
Dave

 

[Evan]

i have plans for 35" tires and dont think the 3.0 will turn them to well and pull my car trailer.

Just re-gear your axles. That's easier and more economical than an engine swap...

 

[Psychopete]

[ IMG ]...[ IMG ]

Holy crap those are nice.

Pete

 

[BigD74]

thanks. any suggestion on what years to use? i know they started using the 5 speed in 88. does I6 300, 302, and 351 all use the same tranny?

 

[organic]

Just re-gear your axles. That's easier and more economical than an engine swap...

I agree. Just to much invested in an engine/trans swap. With the right gearing you'll have no problem turning 35s.

 

[bobbywalter]

he would need 513's


this is a case for 4 or 5.0.


usually i can do a 5.0 under 1500. not easy to find a lower milage engine these days those. cammers are going for 2000 or less low miles. still hard to find.

think he would be happier wth the cammer.