97 Ford explorer 4.0 sohc into my 98 ranger

[Shannon21]

The 97 explorer is a full donor truck. However, the drive shaft is busted from an accident it was in. My husband and I are wanting to put the 4.0 sohc from the explorer into our 98 ranger that currently has the 2.3. I am all sorts of confused on where to even begin with this project. My husband thinks it would be easier to just do a body swap and fix the drive shaft on the explorer than to swap the engines. Any advice?? If we did go the body swap route, would the air bag suspension we just got for the ranger be able to be switched over as well?

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[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Explorer Ranger body swap won't work too well, different wheel bases and frames, it can be done, just needs lots of modifications.

And what are the other vehicle specs, 2WD or 4WD on explorer, 2.3l would be 2WD most likely, are both automatics?

2.3l transmission won't bolt to the 4.0l
And if 2.3l is a manual then you need to ditch the brake clutch pedal assembly and put in a different steering column for the explorer automatic, but you could setup a universal floor shifter for the automatic.

4.0l SOHC will need new timing chains while it is out.
But the 4.0l and it's trans can be put in the Ranger, along with it's computer and wiring harness.
If Explorer has an automatic then it's computer will only work well with that automatic model.
If it is 4WD/AWD then you can just bring over the transfer case with trans and not use it for 4WD, or you would have to get that model transmission in a 2WD version for a 4.0l, they can't be converted without total rebuild.

Then you have the fuel system to deal with, 1997 explorer used a Return line fuel system running 35-40psi pressure
1998 Ranger used a Returnless system using 65-70psi pressure.

1997 computer will be expecting 35-40psi, Read post #4 here: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157576
It is related to fuel pressure so 5.0l or 4.0l doesn't matter, same modification is needed

You will need a new drive shaft, and the 2.3l will have 7.5" rear axle, so swapping over the explorer 8.8" axle would be best, if its OK

There are more differences but these just come to mind.