93 4.0L Ranger into 99 3.0L Ranger

[swc007]

I recently purchased a 99 Ranger 4wd for my son who had just turned 16. It has the 3.0L V6 (260,000 miles) with an automatic transmission (4R44E). Unfortunately the transmission went out shortly after I acquired it and I have been checking around hoping to come across one at a salvage yard fairly reasonable but have yet to do so. If I find one that off a 3.0L then its not 4wd or if I find one off 4wd then it from 4.0L.... Anyways I come across a 93 ford ranger 4wd 4.0L with an automatic transmission that's been wrecked in the rear and can get it DIRT CHEAP. My 3.0L has a lot of miles on it and I was wondering if I could kill 2 birds with one stone by swapping the 4.0L and transmission into mine. I have done some reading and seems like I would have to use wiring harness, computer, exhaust, etc from the 4.0L truck on my 3.0L. Some say it's not worth the trouble and advice not to attempt it yet on the other hand many say in the end it's worth the headache. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts and/or ideas. Thanks

 

[RonD]

Because of the '93 vintage there would be a few more hurdles
New lower pressure fuel pump and installation of return line to fuel tank, '93 uses 40psi with return line, '99 65psi returnless.
Or get a fuel rail and injectors from 4.0l OHV '98-'00

The '99 uses a GEM module to control all non-engine electrics, I don't think this needs to interface with PCM(engine computer) but not 100% sure.
The GEM, ABS(brakes) and PCM share the rear axle speed sensor on the '99, not sure if the sensors pathway ends at the PCM or needs to pass thru the '99 PCM

As far as the idea of doing this swap.
3.0l has 145HP
4.0l has 160HP
So not much power gain, IMO it wouldn't be a plus for power reasons.

Frankenstein effect, swapping to non-stock engine size lowers value because it limits potential buyers.
If you are keeping it for a long time, then not an issue.

But overall, IMO, I would just rebuild the 4R44E, you will get all the upgrades so better than new transmission, avoid "trade-in" replacement, you won't know when it was rebuilt so it may not have all the current upgrades.

I think you would be money and time ahead doing that

There is a common issue on the 4R44E, fix is not "easy" but not hard either, red here:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ad_Separator_Plate_And_Valve_Body_Gasket.html

 

[swc007]

Hey RonD, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Wasn't aware of those issue you mentioned so I suppose its best to rebuild but unfortunately I not ready to take on that task myself. I did have a guy that owns a transmission shop to look at it a week or so ago and he give me a price of $1,650 to rebuild it. That's a bit on the high side, isn't it?

 

[RonD]

To just rebuild it, yes, that is high.
If it includes removal, rebuild, and reinstall then probably not really high depending on labor rates in your area.

If you pulled trans and reinstalled it would probably be under $1,000

4R44E 4x4 trans kit would be about $350, plus solenoids if needed.
No, no reputable shop will warranty trans work and use $150 rebuild kits

 

[cp2295]

I did a 98 4.0 swap into my 99 3.0 and it was a huge PITA.. And I didn't have nearly as many hurdles as you will have, I advise against it but if you do it make sure and use quality parts, I got bit in the ass because of that! The motor mounts won't line up I don't think because the earlier models have less bolt holes in the block, they just kept adding holes as needed whenever they changed the mount location. Also the computer is in a different location I think. The ignition switch might be different and where it plugs in through the firewall.. May cause loss of certain controls.. Not 4wd that's not controlled by 99s computers instead there's a little module behind the dash that controls 4wd (if it's electric shift of course). I didn't have an issue as far as using my 3.0s driveshafts and t case, but again I was in the same gen. I know the t case will bolt up for sure but not sure about the driveshafts matching up. Fuel system is different (93 is return, 99 is return less) you can get a 98+ 4.0 fuel rail to deal with that, should bolt right up. Just as long as the 93s isn't the metal intake (should still bolt up though, somebody else needs to verify that though!) if you decide to do it, keep us informed! Just go into it knowing it's gonna be a decent challenge

 

[cp2295]

Just saying the torque difference is substantial, but at this point do a 5.0 swap.. No that's way more work it seems like! If you want a manual, but it you wanna auto, it's just as easy as this swap. Just get a 96+ AWD expo