help me get a 96 5.0 into a 86 ranger

[AirborneJordan]

Hey guys hows life at TRS? I Have not been here in a LONG time. I am back now with start of my current project. I am putting a 1996 Explorer 5.0 in to my 1986 ranger. I have searched and searched the forums for info on this swap and I can't much of anything that has to do with 96 5.0 exp into a 2.9 FI ranger. I am also Looking on ranger Foums. No luck their either. I am finding tons of info but it just not what I need. Mostly what I am finding is either swap info for running carb's or swapping the exp 5.0 into a newer ranger 98 and up. Can some one please give me lots of info or post a link for me.

The current stats of my truck: 1986 Ford Ranger,4x4,2.9 ltr FI, A4LD auto tranny(stinks),extcab, d35 Front from a exp, 31 spline 8.8 rear from a exp. 4:56 gears, and about a 6-8in lift, Running 33x12.5 Bfg all terrains.

I know that their is a thousand threads with 5.0 info in them and I have been reading up on them. But like i said I just can't find much on running a explorer 5.0 in a first gen ranger.

I will start a build thread and have pictures. I all ready have the doner truck and I will start stripping it down in the next few days.
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[AirborneJordan]

Well a found a thread on the "Explorer Forum" This is what I am check out right now.
410 fortune - 5.0L EFI 4R70W drivertrain conversion - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®
Only this is a bronco II but really it is the same truck.
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[AirborneJordan]

ok, So it is things like this that get confusing. From the James duff web sight, It should be all most a "bolt in swap" Then From the explorer forum thread, this guy had to do a huge wiring project. So what is it? A easy bolt in or a hard wiring project?

From james duff:
"4.0L V6: On '86 and newer 2.9L V6 equipped vehicles, this is essentially a bolt-in swap. The 4.0 engine control computer, engine wiring loom, cooling system, and transmission should all be swapped in. This engine makes 170 hp, and can be upgraded with a Duff Power Chip, a free flow air filter, and even a supercharger.

5.0L V8 (Fuel Injected 302): On '86 and newer 2.9L V6 equipped trucks, swapping in the 215 hp 5.0L is similar to the 4.0L swap, in that you'll need to take the engine control computer and engine wiring loom from the donor vehicle. The modifications necessary for installation are mostly the same as the carbureted 302. If all emission equipment is retained, most states will accept it as emissions legal."

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Have not done your swap but this site has helped me on other things. It might help you. http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/index.php?s=TFI&submit=SEARCH
Richard

 

[Teddyzee]

If you want to use the Explorer wiring, I'll give the same advice I give to every single person.

Buy an EVTM for your year of truck.
Buy an EVTM for the year of the Explorer.
Buy a Harwood swap manual (http://www.harwoodperformance.bizland.com/). The swap manual wiring is based on a '93 Mustang harness. But the manual will show you all of the wiringf connections you need to touch on your original truck wiring.
Mustang EVTMs are available free online at www.fordfuelinjection.com and www.veryuseful.com.
You can compare the Mustang wiring to your Explorer wiring to find exactly what is needed to connect to the Ranger. Usually around 15 splices, including dash gauges.

I would not use the old 2.9 computer, that's what one of your posts is talking about. And starting in 1995, Rangers had the same 42pin connector for the engine harness as an Explorer, that's why later swaps have less wiring while using Ex harness.

Use Fox body Mustang motor mounts ('87-'95 are a ususal choice).

Browse the forums for your exhaust header of choice.

 

[AirborneJordan]

Thank you For posting that link up for me. I will most likely buy the manual. This makes it sound "do able for me" I was getting a bit worried after reading through this post. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124626

But I guess that his wireing harness was "hacked up" to start with.

I am capable of doing all the mechanical work my self. I under stand all that. I have just never tackled such a big wiring project. That is we weaker side but hey only one good way to learn, right.

 

[red86]

why not

all the die hard ford guys act like an ass to me so hear goes.




sbc a$$hole

 

[Teddyzee]

all the die hard ford guys act like an ass to me so hear goes.




sbc's are for a$$holes

Fixed.

 

[fordmike1]

all the die hard ford guys act like an ass to me so hear goes.




sbc a$$hole

Spoken like a true TOOL ! ! !

 

[cammeddrz]

all the die hard ford guys act like an ass to me so hear goes.

sbc a$$hole

i feel you...... i really do

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Tell me.........If you put a Ford engine in a chevy and went on a chevy website............what do you think would happen?
cammeddrz:
Your truck looks like its going to be sweet when your finished I dont care whats under the hood!
Havent seen anything from red86?

 

[AirborneJordan]

ok guys I am trying to gain as much intelligent tech support as I can get. Please don't post if you don't have any thing use full to add. I am 100% serious on this build. I have the doner truck sitting in my shop right now.

Also if you want to see pictures of my truck currently, here is the link.
http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80854

 

[Mac]

ok guys I am trying to gain as much intelligent tech support as I can get. Please don't post if you don't have any thing use full to add. I am 100% serious on this build. I have the doner truck sitting in my shop right now.

Also if you want to see pictures of my truck currently, here is the link.
http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80854

Sorry but all it takes is one JERK to get some of the guys all fired up and off course. A lot who have done the swap using the Explorer motor have gone back to using the common Mustang wiring/computer. Either way, like Teddy said, get the Helms wiring manual and the one from Harwood. Really both worth it. The mechanical stuff is easy for me, not wiring.
Dave

 

[allnpt0]

Using a mustang of motorsport harness does simplifiy a lot when it comes to EFI conversions. Try and find a '89 or newer Mustang harness and utilize the mass air. It will be able to accept changes if you later decide to do so. By changes I mean cam, heads, intake etc. The manuals spoken of earlier will definately be useful during your conversion. Lastley keep asking questions. Most people here genuinely want to help.

Good luck with you install,

Pete

 

[AirborneJordan]

Thanks for the kind words up to this point... Right now I have a 1996 Ford explorer 5.0 sitting in my shop. It was hit pretty good in the driver side front. None of the motor is damaged tho. I am planning on just swapping all that stuff over. Would the mustang harness and mafs be better that the exp?