93 Splash in SC, V8-Swap version

[Curious Hound]

Welcome to Chapter 2 of 93 Splash in SC. This is a continuation from HERE.

I have just purchased a 1996 Explorer V8, AWD Limited, which will be an engine donor for a V8 swap. I also have acquired a 4406 manual transfer case. Please follow along on this adventure.

Donor loaded for the trip home.

How I found the donor when I arrived.

The manual t-case from the junk yard.

 

[Curious Hound]

In this post, I hope to keep a running update of the project costs. Part of the reason I decided to do an Explorer V8 swap is budget constraints. Let's see how low I can keep the overall project cost.

• Donor Vehicle - $1100
• manual 4406 T-case - $200
• new cab mounts - $93
• 1 dozen hockey pucks for cab lift - $10
• EVTM for donor vehicle - $41

Total to date; $1444

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

That donor looks pretty clean…

 

[BobSacamano]

Looking forward to your progress! When you finish, consider using the Explorer's RAP module, cruise control, overhead console and keypad for cool and easy upgrades although the RAP may be challenging since you don't have a GEM.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Looking forward to your progress! When you finish, consider using the Explorer's RAP module, cruise control, overhead console and keypad for cool and easy upgrades although the RAP may be challenging since you don't have a GEM.

OHC can be done, it is not very straightforward. Somehow it needs spliced into the VSS. My FIL did that mod to his '91.

 

[Curious Hound]

To answer some questions/comments already appearing...

Since the Explorer is newer, its wiring is OBD2 compliant, whereas my Ranger is EEC IV. So, I will be transferring the complete Explorer dash (and, probably firewall) into my Ranger along with engine, transmission, ECU and wiring harness. That will give me all the Explorer bells and whistles that I want. Not sure I want Remote Access. I'll evaluate whether or not I do remote start features. The overhead console will not go with what I currently have going on in my overhead area. The message center from the center console will probably be integrated since it gives some info occasionally. Cruise control? Yes, though the button assemblies are currently missing. The steering column needs help. 4wheel ABS? Bye-bye.

 

[Curious Hound]

I just spent a little time out there with it. It started right up even though I was told it had a bad battery. Fluids seem good. I added a few ounces of transmission fluid and topped off the coolant overflow tank. Backed it off the trailer just fine.

CEL is on. Just one code - cam position sensor. And no engine rpm registering on the dash even though my OBDII reader showed engine rpm normally. I haven't even found the cam position sensor yet. It seems to run and idle smoothly. I hear a moderate ticking that might just be injectors.

Yuck. But, at least not corroded.

actually looks nice under here

This WAS a premium vehicle in days gone by.

no response from radio. But he has been messing with a blend door issue. Radio might be unplugged.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Cam sensor is roughly under the coil packs, where the distributor would be... There were a few different setups I think but I have some pictures at home for the alignment but more likely it's a wiring issue.

With that amount of miles I would at least put some bearings if not rings in it for a quick refresh bare oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, those are always fried...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Well if you can stand to sit in the seat you can at least drive it for a month and see what you have, that would be a huge help. Can also make sure the tach and whatever works before you blow it apart.

I think the cam sensor is basically in the same spot at the front of the engine as your 3.0.

 

[Curious Hound]

I think the cam sensor is basically in the same spot at the front of the engine as your 3.0.

It's in the rear in a fake distributor housing on the 3.0. My Google-fu shows it to be in the front under the coil packs as mentioned for this engine. Should be pretty easy.

I'll drive it some. But not a whole lot. The brakes really are a mess. Steering feels like it catches on something when I turn the wheel, almost like you guys were talking about frozen racks last week. But it's too warm to be frozen. I can see the air level inside some of the tires. They thin, bro. Front anti-sway bar links have zero bushings.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

My google foo failed me, I had my wires crossed on the 3.0.

Yeah, its front and center right where water can splash it during water crossings.

 

[Curious Hound]

My google foo failed me, I had my wires crossed on the 3.0.

Yeah, its front and center right where water can splash it during water crossings.

Ooohhhh. That's the connector that needs to be waterproofed for Vagabond trips.