Motor?

[Heath62]

Ok I have a 97 ranger 4x4 with a blown 4.0 ohv vin code x. I was wonder what all motors will work in replace of old motor will little work. Local junk yard told me that only a year 97 would work! Is that correct? What all year vehicles and motors will work? Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[RonD]

1990 to 2000 Ranger or Explorer, also 1990 to 1997 Aerostar van had the same 4.0l OHV engine you have and will work as a simple swap.
2WD or 4WD won't matter.
You will be swapping your current upper and lower intake manifolds over to the "new" engine, that's just to match your existing sensor wiring.
Oil pan may also be different so swap it as well.
In '97 the 4.0l OHV got a crank with 8 bolts for flexplate/flywheel, so that is what you have, if you get a '96 or earlier 4.0l then get the matching 6 bolt flexplate/flywheel with it.

Be sure to replace the rear main seal on used engine.

Good read here on the 4.0l OHV: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/40rebuild.shtml

In 2001 and up the 4.0l SOHC engine was used, outside of both being 4.0l they are completely different engines, you could use it but it would require changing computer and wiring harness.

 

[Heath62]

Ok thank you very much!

 

[RonD]

Oops, Ford Explorer started switching to the 4.0l SOHC engine in 1997, but as an option, so they could have 4.0l OHV, 4.0l SOHC or 5.0l V8
So revise that, 1990-2000 Ranger, 1990-1996 Explorer, will have 4.0l OHV
1997-2000 Explorer could have either OHV and SOHC 4.0l, so............
In 2001 4.0l OHV was dropped in all models in favor of the 4.0l SOHC

 

[downer]

also keep in mind the 95 and earlier cam position sensors aren't a direct fit for the 97 wiring harness. splice a few wires or change connector at wiring harness if you go that route.

 

[downer]

and some 97s had the six bolt crank, some eight bolt.