Ecm and harness ?'s 94 explorer auto 4.0 to 87 manual ranger

[z0z0]

I am getting ready for my engine swap,
I have an 87 ranger, 4x4 manual with the 2.9 and I'm going to swap in a 4.0 from a 94 explorer with an auto transmission.

I'm planning on using the manual transmission already in my truck(upgrading asap, I know it's not ideal.) But as far as I know I need a manual ecm, but can I still use the auto 4.0 harness? How different would that be?

I'm also planning to upgrade to the 4.0 clutch, but I still haven't found any concrete answers on the starter/flywheel set up for a manual. Can someone lay that out for me as well? For the 2.9 flywheel and the 4.0.

Thanks!

z0z0

Edit:
www.therangerstation.co
m/forums/archive/index.php/t-107714.html

Found this, I know it's for a 90 but gives me hope ha-ha. Says he "cut off" wires from auto trans harness and worked okay, with a weird stutter when he hits the cluth and lets off the gas. I've also read the trans will max out at 3k Rpms if it doesn't know what the trans is doing. Maybe I should unplug the trans in the explorer and see what it does in drive and park, ect.

 

[SenorNoob]

You'll probably want a manual ECU. It's a simple swap though so if I already had the auto one I'd try it first.

The auto harness and the manual harness is identical except for 2 things. There is a sub-harness that connects the transmission to the main harness. It's a simple plug and play thing. (In the same year model, obviously.) Also, in a manual the clutch safety switch is used rather than the bypass "key" used in an auto.

The 2.9 flywheel and clutch will bolt to the 4.0. In that case you'd want a starter for a 4.0 AUTO. Weird, I know, but it's right. That's the way mine is right now.

To use the 4.0 clutch you also need the 4.0 flywheel and a 4.0 MANUAL starter.

FYI: The transmission you have now might not be as bad as you think. 2 years now on my setup.

When you do the wiring get the entire Explorer under-hood harness including the ECU connector. It'll pass right through the firewall. Disconnect the BWP (Big White Plug - Driver's Side. You'll know it when you see it) Get BOTH parts of that connector. You can just make an adapter then to connect the Explorer harness to the Ranger cab harness.

 

[z0z0]

Hey thanks man! Wasn't sure if I'd get a response.

I kinda just jumped right in on the wiring, I was able to keep all my lighting, power windows, fuel pumps, ect stuff like that stock. But I pulled apart the exlporer harness and removed all the headlight and ABS wiring. I also removed the corresponding wiring from the explorer power box, since I was able to save all my dash power stuff.

I think I have everything figured out now, just a matter of finishing up. The engine is in, bolted to the trans and the harness is back in besides the actual soldering I have to do. Just waiting for the weather to break, I don't know why a driveway engine swap in Michigan sounded like a good idea in January ha-ha.

 

[SenorNoob]

Lol. I know the feeling. Mine was in what we consider cold weather here. 40F.. LOL.

I did the same thing with my Explorer harness. I removed as much or more than I left.

 

[adsm08]

I would get that trans swapped ASAP.

Noob, you have an FM146, which is somewhat stronger than the 145. The 145 breaks because someone looks at it wrong.

 

[z0z0]

I'll be getting the trans swapped as soon as I gather up the parts.
But I pulled a computer from a manual 95 explorer 4x4 and plugged it in, the engine idled better but when accelerating I'm getting a lot of misfires. Any ideas?
Numbers are F57F-12A650-cc and OWE2 rock auto doesn't list the 95 numbers the same as they do for other years either.