98 2.5 to SC 3.8 v6

[ifitaintbroke]

On your Ranger, the rear axle sensor goes either to the ABS module or the GEM module, depending on whether you have 4WABS or RABS. Those wires from the rear axle sensor to the module are a twisted pair, as sine waves need to be shielded. The ABS or GEM will change that sine wave to a square wave and send it elsewhere, one of those modules is the ECM, another is the cluster.

A '90's Supercoupe is simpler in that the signal from the sensor on the trans is split 3 ways and sent to the ECM, cluster and speed control. Should be simple to convert the sine wave to a square wave for use in the Ranger's cluster, etc. Not sure if a frequency conversion is needed.

I'm trying to remember which Ford had the sine wave to square wave logic in the speed control servo.

Funnily enough, I just happened across your incredible ten-mile-long post on EEC-IV on another forum last night. Fascinating read. I'm thinking my rough idle may be the MAF, and the long term fuel trim is up to 16%. I'll try cleaning, then replacing it. I didn't know that on the speedometer. I may be able to make that work with the Thunderbird's EEC-IV. I currently have a mile-long parts list for sensors that will fit the 3.8, but also the Ranger's engine harness, if I make the probably very stupid decision to try running the 3.8 on a Ranger 4.0 ecm. This will all be on a run stand, to make sure it runs before going in the truck.

 

[ifitaintbroke]

Brainstorming furiously before I start acquiring parts. Thinking an F150 4.2 engine harness would be a good fit, along with its cam synchronizer, and crank sensor. I've located an engine about 3 hours away, so maybe I'll have something concrete for yall to look at soon. My current plant is to have it set up on a run stand, first with the Thunderbird ecm to test it, then to start working on the Ranger computer setup.

On the motor mounts, I'm thinking mounts from a 99 mustang (v6), or a 99 F150 (v6), may be good choices. This week I plan on going to my favorite yard to measure some engine crossmembers. Tons of mustangs out there, and they should be the same as a Thunderbird.

 

[ifitaintbroke]

Looks like there were almost a dozen different mounts for the 3.8

1982-83 F100

Early 90's T-bird/Mustang

Mid 90's Windstar

Late 90's early 00's F150 (4.2)

Late 90's mustang


This is the brick wall I'm running into. A few people have done this swap, but no one has ever fully documented it. I'm going to try acquiring several sets of mounts and see how it goes. If I can hack a Ranger engine crossmember out of a frame at the yard, I can test fit it to the engine.... that won't give me the height but will help.

 

[ifitaintbroke]

Think I've got it.

Here's the 98 Ranger mount setup:

Here's the Super Coupe mount setup:

Notice the similarities? Not much, until you realize that the mounts attach to the engine the same way. The vertical bolt on the mount goes into a horizontal plate on the engine, in both cases. The mounts for a 2.3 or 3.8 Thunderbird are the same. So, if my thinking is correct, it should be a simple matter of drilling a new hole in the plate on the engine, if it doesn't just happen to line up. We're cooking now boys!

 

[Mechrick]

When I dropped the 5.0 in my '85 Bronco II, I used Fox Mustang Convertible mounts. Add 1983 Mustang 3.8L Convertible mounts to your list.

 

[ifitaintbroke]

When I dropped the 5.0 in my '85 Bronco II, I used Fox Mustang Convertible mounts. Add 1983 Mustang 3.8L Convertible mounts to your list.

Strange that the mounts are different between convertible and hardtop. But they are. If that works and drops right in... I'll be amazed. But if the 302 mounts worked, the 3.8 ones should. But wait, the 85 Rangers/Bronco II's had a different engine crossmember. Just when you think it'll be easy.......

 

[ifitaintbroke]

Next obstacle is whether or not the exhaust manifold will clear the frame. Being that an Explorer 302 will, I think it will work.

 

[ifitaintbroke]

On your Ranger, the rear axle sensor goes either to the ABS module or the GEM module, depending on whether you have 4WABS or RABS. Those wires from the rear axle sensor to the module are a twisted pair, as sine waves need to be shielded. The ABS or GEM will change that sine wave to a square wave and send it elsewhere, one of those modules is the ECM, another is the cluster.

You are absolutely correct and I know it's going to the abs module because the sensor wire came loose and the abs light came on, at the exact same time the speedometer quit working. Plugged it back in and they're both fine.

 

[ifitaintbroke]

Going hopefully tomorrow to pick an engine up. Needs an intercooler, PS/ALT bracket and air intake hose, but other than that is totally complete, including the harness. It's been sitting on a shelf since 2014. If everything goes well, I'll start a new thread documenting the whole ordeal. First job will be a partial teardown to check the timing chain and re-gasket the whole motor. Not really looking at any modifications, stock everything should be fine. Nice coat of Ford Dark Blue may also happen.

It will take some time to round up all the parts needed to make this work. So far I need a complete set of sensors from a 4.2 or late model 3.8, a 4.2/3.8 harness, and Ranger 4.0 ecm. And a transmission, of course. An F150 v6 M5R2 should bolt right in.