85 2.8 to 4.0 w/auto ecu and fm145

[sm0kin]

I have an 85 Ranger with the 2.8 and manual FM145 in it currently. The previous owners got this engine way hotter than what I would like. I also happen to have a 97 explorer with the 4.0ohv. I've found plenty of info on swapping the engine in but I would like to do it without the expense of buying an ecu to run the engine on a manual tranny. Does anyone have any info about tricking the stock 4.0 automatic ecu into running without tripping any codes? Also I realize the fm145 won't hold up to much torque but I am wanting the reliability of the 4.0 more than power. This is a truck that I will be using primarily for hauling trash and kayaks. I won't be driving it in a way to tear apart the transmission. Thanks

 

[cammeddrz]

The auto ECU even with properly wiring the PRNDL switch to trick it, will give all sorts of crappy Idle symptoms. Most guys try it, hate it, but run it until they happen into a manual ECU that's correct

 

[adsm08]

Also, with the FM145's wonderful track record of standing up to abuse behind the 2.9 most people who know what they are talking about agree that when that trans is put behind a 4.0 idling in neutral is enough to break it.