eyes on the prize

[Ranger850]

I got a good lead on a Explorer. Its a 95 V8. I was curious as to haw well it will match to my 01 Ranger for the swap. What will work & what wont. Is it even worth it or should I hold off for something newer and more compatible with my truck?

The explorer is in a field with no tires on the rims and I'm getting it for less than $300.

 

[win]

Thought the V8 Explorers were from '96 - '01...

Every swap has challenges. An early Expo V8 into your 01 Ranger will need fuel pressure and return line work. A/C wiring is very different.

Personally, avoiding PATS with the earlier V8 more than makes up for pulling the in-tank FPR and adding a fuel rerurn line between the engine and fuel filter.

No suitable V8 avoids the a/c wiring issues with your 01.

 

[Ranger850]

They labeled it as a 94, but in the picture I can see the little black V8 badge on the fender. going to check it out this weekend.

 

[fastpakr]

Your life will be easier if you grab a '99-01 because the fuel and PATS setup will match your current truck.

 

[win]

Your life will be easier if you grab a '99-01 because the fuel and PATS setup will match your current truck.

Incorrect...Expo has different PATS with different keys and an additional module.

Also, later Expo uses ABS and G-Force module for the speed signal, the Ranger uses its PCM. Just drop the later Expo PCM and V8 into the Ranger and there won't be any speed signal to drive the speedometer, cruise or transmission. The early Expo 5.0 has a VSS on on the transmission.

Yes, the ABS and G-Force sensor along with the PATS bits can be wired into the Ranger and everyone has different ideas on complicity and challenge.

So, later 5.0 needs lot more wiring work, the early 5.0 needs fuel system work. Choose your challenge.

 

[fastpakr]

When? It's all identical in my '99. I spliced three wires to match the solenoid harness on the fender liner, nothing else.

 

[win]

Yep, the 98 & 99 Ranger is far and away the easiest host for the 5.0. Same PATS and same A/C - wiring.

Ford moved the Ranger to type E PATS in 00, left the Expo using type B till the next gen body in 02

 

[fastpakr]

Okay, I'm catching up. I still think the transition was in 01 rather than 00, but either way the OP is starting with PATS E and other issues. Definitely sounds like earlier might be easier.

 

[Ranger850]

So Now I'm a little confused. The older V8 my be better for less wiring, but worse for fuel system.

 

[Ranger850]

Well it doesn't matter. They sold the damn thing out from under me. I was talking to the lady while the man was striking his own deal. When I asked if I could come look at it, it was already sold

 

[2Krngr]

Keep looking, they are out there!

I do recommend buying the entire running explorer to do your swap, especially if you are doing an 01+ ranger, so that you can pull every single thing u need, and you will learn a ton about the differences as you take the two trucks apart. Having the entire expo you will also get the 31 spline, 8.8 LSD, Discbrake rear axle to swap into your truck as well!

When I did my swap I got a 2000 5.0 Mountaineer with 110,000miles for $700, I was able to start and drive it before buying to make sure it was good, it just had a destroyed interior. I pulled the motor, axle, cluster, gem, pats, ignition, and every single bit of wiring in the bay, behind the dash, and for the overhead console. Then I put a ranger 7.5" rear axle back in it so it could moved around, and re-sold the rolling shell on craigslist for $400 to some guy that had a rolled expo with a good drivetrain he wanted to swap over into it.

So I got 100% swap plus an LSD 8.8 for only $300 and 2 days of my time!

I know $700 is not representative of the typical prices, but at least in VA here running 5.0 expos are commonly found for $900-$1500. Which is still a good deal to get every thing you need do your swap.

Good luck in your project!

 

[Ranger850]

thanks. its harder in Florida to find the v8 expo/mounty that runs. plenty of 4.0's tho.

 

[Ranger850]

Found a 96 Expo with 5.0. going by to look at it this week. I just hope the motor and trans are in decent shape. fingers crossed.

 

[Ranger850]

...and he sold it yesterday. FML

 

[Craig0320]

What about these two?

https://gainesville.craigslist.org/cto/d/95-ford-explorer-50-allweal/6578038456.html

https://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/d/98-ford-explorer/6587447856.html