Need a bit of clarification. 4.0l swap

[MikeR]

Ok I stumbled upon a 96 4.0 explorer I want to swap the motor into my 88 ranger. Is this possible with out swapping out the dashes and if so what all do I need?
Engine
Wiring harness
Ecu
Trans? I was going to use my a4ld if I could.
Anything else?

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, it's possible to keep the dash. There are a couple ways of doing it.

I got a newer dash harness and re-pinned it to work in the older dash. I have seen where a few guys cut the end off the 2.9 engine harness and the 4.0 dash harness and make a jumper that just plugs in in between the two.

PCM needs changed, the trans will work for a while, the A4LD doesn't change much over the years/engines, but you know my opinion of autos.

The fuel lines are different. I have seen a couple ways of doing that as well. Some guys take the 2.9 lines out and make the 4.0 lines fit. The supply isn't hard, it just clips onto the filter, the return needs a fitting put in somewhere.

My fuel lines had been cut off up near the engine when I go it, so I just got fittings, put them on the 4.0's lines, and made it plug into the existing lines on the truck as they were.

 

[MikeR]

Is a 96 explore a a4ld? And could I make the one that is in there now work with my floor shift auto?

 

[adsm08]

No, a 96 would have a 4R55E. Similar trans, same family, different valve body mostly. Guts are upgraded too.

I imagine that it could be made to work with the floor shifter, wiring would be the bigger issue. I'd be looking for older wiring and keeping the A4LD.