New to the forum

[bigscrimpin47]

Hello everyone, I'm hoping to get a decent amount of info on a 5.0 swap into a 01' ranger. I need a new motor for my ranger and I am trying to not end up with another 2.5 as its really slow. I found a 5.0 in an explorer in a pick and pull in my area but my dad is worried about all the things that could go wrong. I know the motor would more than likely need to be rebuilt and that there are some wiring things that would need to be changed but I'm not quite sure what transmission I should keep an eye out for. Would my only option be manual or is the transmission controller in the ecu (pcm?) and would I be able to use the stock rear end? it's an axel code 87 7.5" diff with 4.10 gears, quick searches say it can handle 350hp just fine but I would prefer a second opinion. I'm hoping I can find people who have completed this swap and who might be able to tell me about challenges they ran into and how they dealt with them. Any info is appreciated

 

[SenorNoob]

01 should be "relatively" simple. But with so many things needing changed. You're going to want a full donor vehicle. I did the 2.9-4.0 swap and still wished I had bought a donor.

You will need the engine, transmission, transfer case (if 4wd), ECU, significant portions of the wiring harness, and instrument cluster and keys or a tuner that can disable pats.

Study these before you commit to anything:

Swapping An Explorer 5.0L In To A 1998-2011 Ranger

Explorer 5.0 Swap In A 2000 Ford Ranger

Install – 2000 Ford Explorer 5.0 Into 1998 Ford Ranger

Whatever route you go, document everything. Take lots of pictures. Even things that seem insignificant at the time may be important later.

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.

 

[Josh B]

You might could use an auto shop or school nearby to rebuild it in. I'm not sure about anybody else but I started twisting bolts on a bicycle, then a motorbike, then another motorbike, then a $35 car (which got 5 of us to a 4 day concert over 200 miles away, and back)
Even though you are taking a big step, I hope it all comes together for you ok. There are a lot of great people here who are a great help also.
Good luck with it