Need help on the v8 swap

[Robertm1991]

I recently got me a 1984 Ford ranger and is looking to swap to v8. I found a 1999 explorer with a 5.0. Can I do a full swap with this car? Engine and transmission. Explorer trans is automatic and currently my ranger has a 2.3 engine with a stick trans.

 

[19Walt93]

You'll need to retain the PCM and all the Explorer's wiring to make it work because the transmission is controlled by the PCM, too. I'd buy a 99 Explorer EVTM to use as a guide. You'll need cash and fabrication skills.

 

[Robertm1991]

You'll need to retain the PCM and all the Explorer's wiring to make it work because the transmission is controlled by the PCM, too. I'd buy a 99 Explorer EVTM to use as a guide. You'll need cash and fabrication skills.

Thinking of buying the explorer as a whole car and junking what I don’t use .

 

[19Walt93]

Don't junk it, sell the leftovers.

 

[Robertm1991]

Don't junk it, sell

Don't junk it, sell the leftovers.

will I have to sledge hammer the cavity where the bell housing goes to fit properly? If I insta this engine with transmission will It be a direct shifting hook up. Or will I have to cut out a piece for trans shifter to mount up properly. What problems will I run into if I choose to go with the 99 explorer

 

[19Walt93]

You'll have to test fit it, probably multiple times to decide if it needs more clearance. Same for the shifter, you may need an aftermarket shifter if you can't make it fit. If you call it "clearancing" instead of sledge hammering it'll sound more professional and it'll still work the same. I used a C4, mostly because I had one, and had to tweak the firewall a little. My truck had allegedly been someone's drag truck with a 302 and C4 before I got it. There is no way that thing ever passed tech at New England Dragway as hacked up as it was.

 

[Robertm1991]

I’m looking into buying a 1992 thunderbird 5.0 v8 Ho. Will this be similar to getting the explorer v8? I found it for a way better price running and the whole car. What are your thoughts in this swap?

 

[19Walt93]

I think the Tbird also uses the short front drive. I don't know if the plenum/upper intake is the same as an Explorer but I'll bet someone here does- assuming you're keeping it EFI.