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- Joined
- Jan 12, 2026
- Messages
- 1
- Points
- 1
- City
- 98237
- State - Country
- N/A
- Vehicle Year
- 1997
- Vehicle
- Ford Ranger
- Drive
- 2WD
- Engine
- 2.3 (4 Cylinder)
- Transmission
- Manual
- Total Lift
- 2.5
- Tire Size
- 32
Hey good afternoon, brand new here. Been looking around and reading quite a bit trying to gain as much information as I can. Turning to the experts for help now. Question at the bottom, quick story and reasoning first. I will give as much information as I can. I am a novice to this work so please enlighten me.
I have picked up a 1997 2.3L 2wd Ranger. First truck so exciting stuff. Outstanding issues are really non-issues. The truck was lifted and put on 32" MT's by the previous owner and no work was done to support it.
The Goal: Find an 8.8 rear from an Exporer and increase the dreadful stock gearing for the 2.3. That led to thinking about the master cylinder for the now brake discs. I need a new track bar since the truck sways. I would want to swap the motor to the 4.0 V6 and upgrade the shocks as well since for increased power.
I have the opportunity to buy a 1994 Explorer sport for extremely cheap from a friend, runs and drives. Which would give me all the parts I want without buying them individually. It has the 8.8 already in, the motor I want(4.0 with a lot less miles), upgraded suspension, It's also still a manual(with 4 low, 4h, etc.), 4x4 and all. Just a direct upgrade. I understand rear bed mounts do not line up, and the difference in total length is about 6 inches. I just really want to keep the Ranger's body but the Explorer's capabilities.
The question: I'm looking for opinions on wether it's worth swapping the frame with the motor and all attached already; Or swapping the drivetrain from the Exploder to the Ranger's frame.
I have picked up a 1997 2.3L 2wd Ranger. First truck so exciting stuff. Outstanding issues are really non-issues. The truck was lifted and put on 32" MT's by the previous owner and no work was done to support it.
The Goal: Find an 8.8 rear from an Exporer and increase the dreadful stock gearing for the 2.3. That led to thinking about the master cylinder for the now brake discs. I need a new track bar since the truck sways. I would want to swap the motor to the 4.0 V6 and upgrade the shocks as well since for increased power.
I have the opportunity to buy a 1994 Explorer sport for extremely cheap from a friend, runs and drives. Which would give me all the parts I want without buying them individually. It has the 8.8 already in, the motor I want(4.0 with a lot less miles), upgraded suspension, It's also still a manual(with 4 low, 4h, etc.), 4x4 and all. Just a direct upgrade. I understand rear bed mounts do not line up, and the difference in total length is about 6 inches. I just really want to keep the Ranger's body but the Explorer's capabilities.
The question: I'm looking for opinions on wether it's worth swapping the frame with the motor and all attached already; Or swapping the drivetrain from the Exploder to the Ranger's frame.
