5.0 swap - read everything, confused.

[timapexcomputer]

Hey all! Considering a 5.0 swap so I have literally read everything I could find on the internet. I am not a kid with a pipe dream, just a guy looking for a project this winter. I am confused about a lot of the process and can't seem to make sense of the walk through posted on this site.

I have a 1994 Ranger 2WD Supercab 4.0. AOD trans, 8.8 3.08 diff.

From what I understand, the best donor option is to buy a 96-97 Exploder complete.

Correct me if I am wrong here, but this is my plan.

Mustang Conv. mounts.
302 from exploder with its exploder transmission/wiring/ecu/etc. all run to the Exploder Diff. in my Ranger.

What driveshaft do I use? I do not want 4X4. So how does that work? The Ranger driveshaft is the wrong length to go between the Exlpoder Trans and Diff? Isn't it?

Any help appreciated. Thanks all.

 

[ZMan]

Your truck doesn't have an AOD, its an A4LD, but that doesn't really matter because you'd replace it anyway.

An explorer would be a good donor, but a 96+ will be OBD2, your truck is currently OBD1, so plan for lots of wiring, OR you can get the computer, intake, and other bits from a 5.0 Mustang. 2wd V8 Explorers DO exist, but they're much harder to find, you may have to use a transmission from a car (mustang, thunderbird, etc) if your search comes up empty.

Driveshaft will be the least of your worries, it may or may not fit, obviously you will need the correct slip yoke for the transmission, and if your stock driveshaft is too long, you can just have it shortened, or have a new one made if its too short, luckily it will be just the short part of the shaft since the supercab driveshafts are two piece. A good conversion though is a 1 piece aluminum driveshaft from a 98+ supercab ranger.

I really hope I didn't confuse you any more

 

[Justa302]

My 01 ranger has the 2wd expo swap, be careful on the year explorers you get the 4r70w from they had a recall on the trans, my o/d light flashes and sends a low pressure fault when I baby it alot


Sent from my crappy iPhone

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It is much cheaper to have the driveshaft shortened than lengthened. I would almost just find a different shaft that is too long as opposed to retubing the original one.

It was $50 to shorten my front, $180 to lengthen the rear. Had I known that from the start I would have found a different shaft and gotten rid of the tiny 1250 u-joints...

RangerSVT has done an Explorer swap into a similar Ranger to yours (the radiator mount is different) Check out his build thread, he detailed the engine swap very well.

 

[RangerSVT]

Believe it or not, using the explorer's obd2 wiring, you will have literally 5 wires to hook up to get it running, a couple more if you want the stock gauges to read the engine (oil pressure, water temp). If you want the obd2 diagnostic port inside the cab, add 5 wires to hook up. The best thing about this setup is all the wiring is from one plug. Where are you located? I have a 2wd v8 explorer 5.0 trans (4r70w) that I was going to rebuild to convert to 4x4, but if your not too far I'll gladly swap you if you get your hands on an awd donor. And as far as motor mounts, IMO the stock 4.0 rubber mounts and plates is a much better and easier setup to go with over the vert mounts


SVT

 

[ZMan]

Another way ive seen guys do mounts, is use f-150 engine mounts, then fabricate the frame side of the mount from scratch, it allows you to mount it lower than you can with the mustang vert mounts. I plan on doing that with my 94 since i am bodydropping it.

 

[timapexcomputer]

Thanks for the help all! PM'd SVTRanger with some specifics. Hope to start by donor hunt next week. Cheers guys!

 

[getrdone52]

If you're any where close to me
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/3225724245.html

 

[ZMan]

If you're any where close to me
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/3225724245.html

It says it has a 4.0l v8, theres a typo somewhere, and im wondering where lol. 19mpg seems awefully high if its really a v8, plus the miles pretty much say its gonna need an overhaul before it gets swapped into anything.

 

[getrdone52]

That's weird. When I saw it the other day it definitely said 5.0L V8.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Another way ive seen guys do mounts, is use f-150 engine mounts, then fabricate the frame side of the mount from scratch, it allows you to mount it lower than you can with the mustang vert mounts. I plan on doing that with my 94 since i am bodydropping it.

2wd's have more leeway but 4x4's are plenty low with convert mounts. I had to shim mine up about an inch to hacksaw off my regular drainplug and then find a shorter one to replace it. The stupid pivot bracket is right where it shouldn't be.

It says it has a 4.0l v8, theres a typo somewhere, and im wondering where lol. 19mpg seems awefully high if its really a v8, plus the miles pretty much say its gonna need an overhaul before it gets swapped into anything.

19mpg is possible with a light foot and the right setup in a Ranger.

 

[Justa302]

I get around 22 if I keep my foot out of it


Sent from my crappy iPhone

 

[hoosier1104]

Get an AWD motor to avoid to the oil filter relocation. The rear drive shaft is 2.5" longer than a stock Ranger drive shaft, if my memory serves me correctly. The swap in general is pretty easy.