92 4.0 swap

[pimtool]

From what I read a 92 ranger 4.0 will basically plug and play into a 90 ranger 2.9. With computer and wiring harness.

If the 4.0 is a auto and the 2.9 has a swapped in m5od, is the check engine light coming on when the computer tries to energize the shift solenoids my only problem? or
Do I need the manual computer?

Other than needing 4.0 flywheel and clutch.

Thank You.

 

[Hahnsb2]

I would find a manual computer, I hear it has a bit more aggressive timing curves too.

 

[AllanD]

Actually I don't believe that transmission codes will actually trip the CEL

They WILL set codes in the computers memory, as "hard faults", but the CEL won't light.

I would STILL strongly recommend installing a manual trans computer, because idle strategy is different.
The primary difference is on a manual trans truck with the throttle closed and engine rpm above 1700rpm the computer turns the injectors OFF, so any time you are coasting you aren't burning a drop of fuel.

The "wiring harness" is NOT DIFFERENT between a manual trans an an auto.

there is a SEPERATE harness that plugs into the "main harness" that IS different.

This is the same harness that connects to the oil pressure sender, oil level sensor and the 4.0's cannister purge solenoid

If you already have an '89-92 2.9 you can use your exsisting "Transmission"
harness and just ADD the two wires for the 4.0's cannister purge solenoid to
the exsisting connector.

MOST of the many, many wires are self contained in the harness for the 4.0 and ou need do nothing with them, though in the name of tidyness I'd recommend remiving them...

Like On my truck I used a '93 explorer harness and kept the big underhood fuse box.

I ended up using the two relays that were there for the ABS system to switch
my Fog and Driving lights which was definatly neater than having a pair of relays screwed to the inner fender)



AD

 

[pimtool]

Thanks for all the info. Could you tell me what year manual computer will work best, okay, and not so good? obviously a 92. but is any gen II alright.

Doner= 92 ranger 4.0, auto, not sure about 4x4 or 4x2, checking this weekend.
recipient= 90 ranger 2.9, m5od, electric t case.

Thank You.

 

[AllanD]

Yeah, 1992 is probably best, and if you can get the Explorer 5sp computer

the Explorer computer allows the torque to come on sooner,
they did this because the explorer doesn't have the traction
issues that a light-in-the-ass ranger does.

My personal recommendation for a specific computer
is the 1992 Explorer "X2X2" computer...

want one?

AD

 

[pimtool]

Is your recommendation based on the fact that you have one to get rid of?

I am not 100% on this swap yet, I have to go check out the doner this weekend.

If this thing looks ok, I will be interested in the computer.

How much?

Thanks.

Sorry, I guess I have one more question.
Are the starters the same for auto and manual?

 

[swamprat]

the starters are not the same. the snout is longer on one and I am too tired to think. I think the auto throws out to far for the manual. Some people has had good luck with shim kits but I didnt. Easier to get the right starter.

 

[pimtool]

Went and looked at the doner today. What a piece. So the swap is going to have to wait until I find something decent to use.

Thanks for the replies and all the info.

 

[AllanD]

Is your recommendation based on the fact that you have one to get rid of?

I am not 100% on this swap yet, I have to go check out the doner this weekend.

If this thing looks ok, I will be interested in the computer.

How much?

Thanks.

Sorry, I guess I have one more question.
Are the starters the same for auto and manual?

No, I have this computer because I grab up the "useful" computers
when I find them, you should see my stack of "ANY1" computers that are used in the 1993 4.0 5sp Explorers.

If you are looking for a swap part donor I can literally walk you to several in some of the local junkyards around here...

the starters are not the same. the snout is longer on one and I am too tired to think. I think the auto throws out to far for the manual. Some people has had good luck with shim kits but I didnt. Easier to get the right starter.

To get a 4.0 auto trans starter to work with a 4.0 manual flywheel
you need quite a bit more than a "shim"

the difference in length of the starter "nose" is about 10mm
So you will need longer starter mounting bolts and four of five
flat washers placed on the bolts between the starter and the
bellhousing. The exact number of washers you'll need varies
depending on the exact thickness of the washers you use.

so "shim" is a bit of a misnomer...

AD

 

[pimtool]

I hope you knew I was joking. Anyway you have the right idea holding onto parts that will be useful at some point. I try to do the same thing, except I just got started at this whole building a truck thing.

 

[AllanD]

I don't have an actual use for a 1992 manual computer but I put manual trans "conversions" together for people and it's just another part of the set.

AD