89 Ranger 5.0 swap

[NakedDucks]

Ok… here’s the curveball pitch..

I have an 03 ranger I was going to swap a 5.0 from an explorer into as I’m told it’s basically a plug and play swap… but I’ve recently acquired an 89 ranger and would rather swap it… can I use the dash from the 03 in the 89, or do I need to cut the firewall out and weld it in?

or is it easier to just swap the 5.0 into the 89 using what’s there?

I’m able and mechanically inclined enough for either swap.… just trying the easiest electrically.

 

[bobbywalter]

2wd or 4wd?



will need a oil pan setup....fox style can work ok.

stand alone the explorer setup and put it together. do all the deletes with a good tuner for the evap crap and pats removal ect...


then

glorious burnouts.

 

[JoshT]

or is it easier to just swap the 5.0 into the 89 using what’s there?

As much as I hate to reference or quote a Disney propertry: "This is the way."

Like Bobby said, make the Explorer setup standalone and connect a few wires. Be much easier mechanically and electrically, than swapping the dash and wiring harness out of the 03. Though the trucks may seem similar enough there are a whole lot of differences electrically.

Pick a non-pats Explorer for the donor, or get one running that you can use a tuner to disable it before you start. While it is possible to rig up the PATS system, it's a whole lot easier to get rid of it. With the harness modded and PATS deleted, there are only a few wires to connect to the truck.

 

[NakedDucks]

Is it possible to swap the 89 body onto the 03 frame to avoid having to change the oil pan and all??

 

[JoshT]

Depends on the configuration.

If both are extended cab then the wheel base is the same. IIRC most body mount points are the same, just the ones at the core support would need to be swapped over and you'de have to come up with something to mount the bumper. If it's a regular cab, the wheel base grew three inches in 1998, so the frame would need to be shortened in addition to the front cab mounts swapped. That's a very broad overview, I'm sure glossing over a lot of details.

IMO, I'd keep the 89 on the 89 frame and change the oil pan.

 

[bobbywalter]

Isn’t possible to swap the 89 body onto the 03 frame to avoid having to change the oil pan and all??

up to you.

 

[NakedDucks]

Ok…. I’ll keep the 89 frame and swap the motor in… thanks for that guys…

Next question….

James Duff offers 2 different style arms to swap a solid axle in….

One is the regular F-150/Bronco style, and the other is a Ranger style…

Which do I need? I’m swapping in a 79 D60 front.

 

[bobbywalter]

i am a cheap lazy fawk so i kept leafs. 79 is not as desirable as they used to be....but are desirable enough they have a higher value then the stoopid duty axles.

you will be doing some work to use the duff arms. if they are already modified for c mounts then just use the bronco arms..... otherwise maybe consider selling or trade for the sd units.


today i would run a coil 60 from a superduty. they are cheap and available and there are millions more then anything from the 69-79 era.... parts are everywhere and easy to source...can get 430 gears stock ect....with matching rear with an electric locker....maintenance is a breeze.

barnes and ruff stuff make decent arms to get it in there.

 

[scotts90ranger]

A '79 D60 would be leaf spring if I'm not mistaken so it'll take some fabrication no matter what you do, the SD axles are closer to being 3 linked factory than leaf springs are...

 

[bobbywalter]

A '79 D60 would be leaf spring if I'm not mistaken so it'll take some fabrication no matter what you do, the SD axles are closer to being 3 linked factory than leaf springs are...

that is what i was getting at. i use a 79 axle. nice thing is they are easier to fit and modify if it comes to that compared to later leaf spring axles.

and at one point i had everything to put arms on the 60 and coils. but just have left it on leafs. used that kit on a different application.


the 05 and newer are very cost effective. especially with the ruff stuff arms. they ARE a 3 link system. the leaf sd axles not as easy to work with but worth a look and dirt cheap at my local yards.

 

[NakedDucks]

I’m not doing a superduty axle. Not a big fan of the unit bearings…. Plus, I have plenty of spare parts for this 60, and NOTHING for a superduty.

I already have these D60’s, and all that is needed are to buy some wedges from Duff.

 

[bobbywalter]

I’m not doing a superduty axle. Not a big fan of the unit bearings…. Plus, I have plenty of spare parts for this 60, and NOTHING for a superduty.

I already have these D60’s, and all that is needed are to buy some wedges from Duff.

that is theeee decisions factor. if you had just a rough setup then just pointing to options.

in this case where you are set up, for damn sure should be running what ya got....

i love my king pin 60 for sure.....hi steer ect can be easier/better as well. there are downsides, the ford knuckles crack easy but upgrades are there. you have to repack them when your in the goo.......(my son got me recently not doing maintenance after drowning my rig) i was a few hours from home and had to wait on parts...


its just now getting cheaper and easier to run the stoopid doody stuff. the unit bearings have proved ideal for many situations and the ball joints can get ya better steering radius ect.

getting used tires and wheels in my neck of the woods ..

heep and stoopid duty rule the roost .

so i have considered them.

 

[NakedDucks]

I have had these 60’s too long and spent too much time and energy getting them to turn back now!,