Getting Started 1990 2WD 2.3 5 Spd Ranger 98 Explorer 5.0 swap

[jman100511]

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:

1. Obtain donor
2. Order swap kit (recommendations welcome)
3. Obtain M5OD-R2 and clutch kit
4. Get correct flywheel and starter
5. Decide on headers vs. using Explorer manifolds
6. Pull drivetrain from donor
7. Clean and reseal the 5.0
8. Mate transmission
9. Dry fit and mount engine
10. firewall clearance
11. Modify trans tunnel and carpet for the R2. I believe the shifter sits a few inches forward compared to stock.
12. Figure out transmission crossmember and hopefully avoid major modification
13. Sort out fuel system. The 1998 Explorer is return-style, so that will need to be addressed.
14. Convert Explorer harness to standalone
15. Decide on ECU solution. Manual ECU? PATS delete? Open to suggestions.
16. Figure out radiator setup. I’ve read the Explorer radiator can work with modification.
17. Rig has manual steering box so I don’t have to deal with power steering or A/C.
18. Plan belt routing
19. Decide between electric fans or belt-driven
20. Build exhaust. I may skip cats but will definitely run good mufflers.

Then hopefully drive into the sunset.
Any advice, corrections, or things I’m overlooking would be appreciated.

 

[19Walt93]

Have you investigated whether a motor swap is legal in California? Might be worth checking before you invest a lot of time and money.

 

[bobbywalter]

it is legal for this application. there are thousands of legal v8 ranger/s10/nissan/toyota truck swaps prowling around california that are legal......leaving the oem smog systems intact and emissions readiness functioning iskey and thepowertrain being newer than your platform. finding the right smog compliance guys isnt always so easy though.

so that means full explorer exhaust and intake systems and wiring/emmissions. the fuel tank side and evap can be tricky. but common sense will prevail...

of course....common sense and Kalifornia. that can be a problem.

you will want at least a fox oil pan...

and the 4.0/plate mount method works...especially with a 2 in body lift.

 

[jman100511]

Have you investigated whether a motor swap is legal in California? Might be worth checking before you invest a lot of time and money.

Where I live smog is a one and done type deal. There is no annual checks so unless I get sent to state ref, I think it will be fine unless I ever want to sell to a non family member.