5.0 swap questions

[Byronator]

So I have read the how to article on swapping a v8 from an explorer to my 99 ranger. It's pretty straight forward. I'd like to do this sometime in the future. I want to have it be a 4x4. I know I could use the awd setup with the automatic trans frommthe explorer and it would work well. But I would like to have this 5.0 setup with a manual transmission and still have 4wd. Surely this is possible, with reprogramming of the ecm(computer)/whatever you wanna call it in the explorer. Does this sound feasable to ya'll?

 

[fastpakr]

Sure. You can definitely use an R2 from an F150. You'll want one from a '97-03 behind a 4.2 V6. Grab the 4406 transfer case with it. If it's an electrically shifted case, use your Ranger shift motor with it and your factory dash switches will work. If it's a manual case, be sure to grab all the linkage that goes with it.

When it's all done and installed, you'll want a tuner like an SCT and someone to write a calibration for you to shut down the automatic trans functions.

 

[Byronator]

So use a manual trans from a '97-'03, 3.8 v6 f-150? with a 5.0L v8? The 4406 transfer case would be in that truck too? Also my ranger is 2wd so it doesn't have any 4wd control features lol. And as far as I know, the only way to get 4wd under my 2wd frame is by using a SFA.

I'd like to do a frame swap with another ranger that is 4wd sometime in the future as well. sounds like a lot of work that's maybe unecesary. I guess it is.

I could just find another ranger that is alrady 4wd to do the engine swap on but I like the color of my truck and don't want to let go of it. (I def want to keep one that's a '99, or around there, the third gen) I guess I could also just repaint a 4wd ranger after it's all said and done?

opinions? Is a frame swap too much work? Should I get another ranger that's already 4wd?

 

[fastpakr]

If it were me I'd start with a 4wd if that's where you want to end up. I didn't realize you were currently 2wd when I responded previously.

 

[Curious Hound]

I've read many times on this forum that RWD and 4x4 frames are different. Meaning that to get the 4x4 drivetrain in there, you will have frame modifications to do.

Much simpler to start with a 4x4 truck and put your body on it if the bodystyle and color is the main thing you want to keep. A paint job on a different truck might be simpler and cheaper.

 

[fastpakr]

I know that's true in the TTB trucks, but not on the SLA explorers. Never seen a clear answer on SLA Rangers.

 

[Curious Hound]

I know that's true in the TTB trucks, but not on the SLA explorers. Never seen a clear answer on SLA Rangers.

Ok. Sorry.

That's my mistake for the day.

 

[fastpakr]

That wasn't intended as a correction, just more info to add to what you brought up. They may very well still be different - I'd love to get a clear answer on that.

 

[Mac]

Frames are different because most 4x2's use coil suspension while the 4x4's have torsion bar suspension.

 

[Ramcharger90]

Well you could get the front diff/axle from a shoe box bronco you could convert I believe

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Well you could get the front diff/axle from a shoe box bronco you could convert I believe

Or even a D30 out of a Jeep. IMO for an offroad truck (if you intend to do that) you would end up with a better truck if you SAS what you have and use a manual t-case.

If you want something more like a DD and have a coil suspension I would hold off on a swap until you find a truck you like.

If you by change have a torsion bar suspension you can convert it to 4wd.

 

[Ramcharger90]

Or even a D30 out of a Jeep. IMO for an offroad truck (if you intend to do that) you would end up with a better truck if you SAS what you have and use a manual t-case.

If you want something more like a DD and have a coil suspension I would hold off on a swap until you find a truck you like.

If you by change have a torsion bar suspension you can convert it to 4wd.

That would be alot cheaper than the sbb's

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Good luck finding a 3.8L 97-03 F150.....

However 4.2L/5 speed trucks are fairly common

 

[fastpakr]

Good catch, thanks!

 

[scrapper]

I thought if you had a front jeep axle you could put it in with leaf spring on ttb trucks. You just needed to move the springs perches? I may have read that wrong but it seemed really straight forward of a swap.