93 4X4 V8 Swap questions....

[DTMBENZ]

I've been researching a swap into my supercab 4x4 ranger in comparison to removing and rebuilding the 4.0 and the 5speed Mazda transmission. I'm not looking to do a ton of fabricating as this will be my daily driver with little off-road action for now. As with everyone else, I'm on a pretty extreme budget and would like to not have to buy a bunch of other parts but I understand some will be needed to make this work. So in short what vehicle(year/model) can I use that is as close to a direct swap as possible? In researching here and on other websites it appears the 96-97 Explorer would be ideal but what about a power/drivetrain from a 5.0 F150? I just want to be able to search out a vehicle that I can use as a donor and move on from there. Any help would be great. Thanks everyone.

 

[Teddyzee]

Many people fear the wiring the most. You truck does not share the later (1995 and newer) 42-pin main engine to body connector, so that removes a little of the simplicity of Explorer wiring swaps. Harwood Performance makes a manual that guides you through the wiring, no matter what you put in there (Explorer, Mustang, F150 or carb. It doesn't explain specifically, but shows the exact connections in each year Ranger harness)

Explorer 5.0's are all automatic trans, and the 4x4's are all full time AWD. So if you want manual trans and or a manual transfer case, I would definitely look into F150 parts.

As with every other swap, the Explorer front accessories off lots of room, but others fit. Mustangs give you the correct mounts and oil pan... F150 donor may have the trans/case you are after.

Think about what you want, and it's my experience that a donor can be a more expensive way to go.