New to the Ranger Scene, V-8 swap questions on a 98 2WD

[dasfinc]

Hello everyone!

I'm a bit new to this scene as I finally picked up my first ranger after wanting one for quite some time (didn't like the looks of the pre 98 models, but the 98+'s were always out of my price range)

I have a 94 taurus SHO, a beater 94 taurus, and my new ranger.

Its a 1998 2WD Ranger, Reg cab, step side bed, 4 banger auto. Its the burnt-orange color, and is a 'stripper' truck (Manual windows, locks, only options are A/C, Auto transmission, and the wheels)

Now my question is this:

I've read through the V-8 swap section, and the article makes no mention of 2WD Rangers specifically, so I was curious if the 5.0 out of a 96-97.5 explorer was still a 'drop in' swap like it is for the 4X4's, and if so, any ideas on what drive shaft I need? Or can I yank the drive shaft and rear end out of the donor explorer if/when I pick one up? (assuming they are different from the ones already in my 4 banger?)

Any other concerns with it being a 4 cyl truck that I need to address if I do the 5.0 swap aside from whats mentioned in the articles as far as the fuel system, and a few other small nick-nacks go?

Also, I was kind of thinking this is an 'ideal' candidate for this swap for a 'street' type truck (being reg cab, stepside bed, stripper, 98 so no pats, etc? light as can be?) So I was curious if anyone else had this same setup with the 302 in it, and how they liked it, anyone DD it, etc?
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[Mac]

I think you have a good handle on what all is involved. Stick with the '97' Explorer computer, think even a '98' wiring harness will work as long as you match the sensors to what ever harness you are using, run the supply/return line. Any 4.0 L Ranger rear end will bolt right in with out the hassle of doing the Explorer rear swap, drive shafts is usually the last thing to worry about, depending on your situation. With out major engine work, lots have used the stock 4.0 radiator, might think about the ext. cab springs. Just a start, keep asking, someone will be here.
Dave

 

[dasfinc]

I think you have a good handle on what all is involved. Stick with the '97' Explorer computer, think even a '98' wiring harness will work as long as you match the sensors to what ever harness you are using, run the supply/return line. Any 4.0 L Ranger rear end will bolt right in with out the hassle of doing the Explorer rear swap, drive shafts is usually the last thing to worry about, depending on your situation. With out major engine work, lots have used the stock 4.0 radiator, might think about the ext. cab springs. Just a start, keep asking, someone will be here.
Dave

A few more questions I guess:

Is it any easier to just use the return-less lines off a 99+ Exploder?

Can the 4 banger rear end still operate with the 5.0 infront of it? (Just to move around essentially, not to drive to and from work kind of thing) *Granted I know it would probably explode with any load on it*

And as you mentioned, are you referring to ex cab FRONT springs, or REAR? I'd imagine the stock 4-popper front suspension pieces wouldn't hold up very long?
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[Mac]

You could run that 7.5 rear end for years without a problem, swapping to the 8.8 is just insurance, be able to get maybe a better gear ratio and the 10" brakes. Yep. I meant the front springs. Not sure how the '97' computer and a non-return system would work, always been told to go to the supply/return type.
Dave

 

[therieldeal]

you're going to want to match the fuel system/computer setup to what is in the truck now. IE if its returnless now then use a returness computer/harness/fuel rails etc.

 

[dasfinc]

You could run that 7.5 rear end for years without a problem, swapping to the 8.8 is just insurance, be able to get maybe a better gear ratio and the 10" brakes. Yep. I meant the front springs. Not sure how the '97' computer and a non-return system would work, always been told to go to the supply/return type.
Dave

I'd imagine 99+ return style explorer ECU's all have PATS and there-fore wouldn't be compatible?

Any links to write-ups on the wiring diagrams that need to be changed? And/Or how to make a return fuel system from scratch?

Also, I read a few articles talking about shift-linkage Issues, With an autotradgic truck, what should I use to connect the transmission to the steering column shifter? (staying auto all around for ease of swap)
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[Mac]

Not sure if any wiring needs to be changed if you use the '98' wiring harness. With the '97' harness, just some minor changes for the AC. Use any '96-98' Explorer fuel rail, find or make the rest of the hard lines and braided hoses. Swap out the fuel pump to a Fox Mustang and use the Explorer pressure regualtor. Transmission (?) - not me.
Dave

 

[dasfinc]

Another quick question... As far as superchargers/blowers go, Do they make kits for the 5.0 Explorers? or would a kit for a fox bolt onto it as well? (or more specifically, what kind of differences aside from the heads are there between fox's and explorer V-8's, are the intake manifolds the same/same bolt pattern etc?)
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[wade]

I don't mean to sound crude, or overly critical. But, you have 4 posts to your credit. Have you found the search button, yet? You should do MUCH searching and reading before you start posting.

I've read through the V-8 swap section

There are 34 pages! - 680 threads! (as of this posting) - and you've read them all? - And didn't find answers?

 

[dasfinc]

I don't mean to sound crude, or overly critical. But, you have 4 posts to your credit. Have you found the search button, yet?

I read the FAQ's, the swap articles, etc.

I have not sat and read through the thousands of posts that are on these boards. The search only does so much, do not treat me as an idiot.

Please read your own post and ask yourself:

Has it contributed to this thread, or helped the OP? Because I assure you, it has done neither, so please keep commentary to yourself unless you have something useful to say. Having as many posts as you do, I'd imagine you should already know that.
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[Mac]

The only charger made for the Explorer motor is/was made by Explorer Express. Used an Eaton M-90. Not sure if they have any left. Cheaper to go with a good rebuild using some good heads, cam and the Explorer intake for starters. Most everything bolts on interchangable between the small blocks. Like Wade mentioned, do some reading, get some good books on the small block Ford, there are a lot of good ones out there and some not worth using in the outhouse.
Dave

 

[wade]

Don't get mad. - Search.
I sympathize with you for the number of posts/threads that exist. But, hopefully, they exist for a reason. There's nothing that bugs me more than to find a thread chock full of great info, that I brushed aside because the originator gave it some silly, meaningless title.
Suggestion: Search and Scan through threads one at a time. Don't read every post in detail just yet. When you find a thread that interests you - Subscribe to it. Later, at your convenience, organize your subscriptions into "topics" that you can refer back to. Do this with every thread (all 6 hundred and however many). If a thread doesn't interest you - move to the next one. Subscribe to the ones that do.

 

[dasfinc]

Don't get mad. - Search.
I sympathize with you for the number of posts/threads that exist. But, hopefully, they exist for a reason. There's nothing that bugs me more than to find a thread chock full of great info, that I brushed aside because the originator gave it some silly, meaningless title.
Suggestion: Search and Scan through threads one at a time. Don't read every post in detail just yet. When you find a thread that interests you - Subscribe to it. Later, at your convenience, organize your subscriptions into "topics" that you can refer back to. Do this with every thread (all 6 hundred and however many). If a thread doesn't interest you - move to the next one. Subscribe to the ones that do.

This is useful suggestions, Thank you, I will do this.
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