- Joined
- Feb 18, 2026
- Messages
- 1
- Points
- 1
- City
- Eureka
- State - Country
- CA - USA
- Vehicle Year
- 1990
- Vehicle
- Ford Ranger
- Drive
- 2WD
- Engine
- 2.3 (4 Cylinder)
- Transmission
- Manual
- Total Lift
- 0
- Total Drop
- 0
- Tire Size
- 195/70R14
Hello everybody,
I’ve been kicking around the idea of swapping a 5.0 from an Explorer into my 1990 2WD 2.3L 5-speed Ranger 178k miles. I’ve done a decent amount of research, but I still feel unclear on a few things and would love insight from people who’ve actually done this swap. I would like to keep this project on a budget, im not going for a showroom build. Im just doing this for fun and i got the ranger for $800 bucks.
The donor I’m looking at is a 1998 AWD 5.0 Explorer with 168k miles for $1,000. I plan to run an M5OD-R2 behind it and have a few options on Marketplace I haven’t picked up yet.
What I’m trying to wrap my head around is mounting everything in the engine bay. I recently welded in motor mount brackets successfully on another project, so I’m comfortable going that route. I just wish there were a clear write-up from someone who has done this swap into a first-gen facelift 2.3 RWD truck.
Current plan:
Any advice, corrections, or things I’m overlooking would be appreciated.
I’ve been kicking around the idea of swapping a 5.0 from an Explorer into my 1990 2WD 2.3L 5-speed Ranger 178k miles. I’ve done a decent amount of research, but I still feel unclear on a few things and would love insight from people who’ve actually done this swap. I would like to keep this project on a budget, im not going for a showroom build. Im just doing this for fun and i got the ranger for $800 bucks.
The donor I’m looking at is a 1998 AWD 5.0 Explorer with 168k miles for $1,000. I plan to run an M5OD-R2 behind it and have a few options on Marketplace I haven’t picked up yet.
What I’m trying to wrap my head around is mounting everything in the engine bay. I recently welded in motor mount brackets successfully on another project, so I’m comfortable going that route. I just wish there were a clear write-up from someone who has done this swap into a first-gen facelift 2.3 RWD truck.
Current plan:
- Obtain donor
- Order swap kit (recommendations welcome)
- Obtain M5OD-R2 and clutch kit
- Get correct flywheel and starter
- Decide on headers vs. using Explorer manifolds
- Pull drivetrain from donor
- Clean and reseal the 5.0
- Mate transmission
- Dry fit and mount engine
- firewall clearance
- Modify trans tunnel and carpet for the R2. I believe the shifter sits a few inches forward compared to stock.
- Figure out transmission crossmember and hopefully avoid major modification
- Sort out fuel system. The 1998 Explorer is return-style, so that will need to be addressed.
- Convert Explorer harness to standalone
- Decide on ECU solution. Manual ECU? PATS delete? Open to suggestions.
- Figure out radiator setup. I’ve read the Explorer radiator can work with modification.
- Rig has manual steering box so I don’t have to deal with power steering or A/C.
- Plan belt routing
- Decide between electric fans or belt-driven
- Build exhaust. I may skip cats but will definitely run good mufflers.
Any advice, corrections, or things I’m overlooking would be appreciated.
