Selecting V8 and manual trans for a 94 4.0L 4x4

[rkneeshaw]

I've been searching for hours, so forgive me, I've broken down and decided to post.

My 4.0L in my 94 4x4 crested 200k miles and still seems to run alright, but the time will be soon that she will need to be replaced. So I'd like to have a plan now so I can start stockpiling parts over the next 12 months.

My goals:

* More power from an EFI V8
* Retain pushbutton 4x4 and the stock 1350 transfer case
* No check-engine lights after the swap

I don't have a welder or welding skills, just basic shop tools.

Things about my truck that should be noted:

* No EGR
* OBDI
* Cable driven speedometer

Can someone recommend a V8 and manual transmission that I should be looking for?

Preferably something that will be as easy and cost effective as possible while still reaching all 3 goals.

 

[Teddyzee]

I don't know the specifics of your trans question, but I can give some tips.

You won't need a welder, going forward or backward with regards to OBD1/OBDII is not really an issue, and most all Ford stuff uses the same speedometer hookup, whether you have a cable only, cable + Vss, or just VSS. Same gear and bolt. Some newer stuff uses the ABS sensor in the rearend, but that won't apply for you.

If you delete EGR, in most cases you'll get a check engine light. I'm currently using a speed density ECU from an '88 Mustang. They had no CEL, so my code 31 from the missing EGR does not trigger the CEL. (my CEL works, I wired it in my custom harness)
If you dig around (ww.fordfuelinjection.com) you can find way to make a little plug to delete any EGR codes.

Good luck, happy reading.

 

[rkneeshaw]

So if OBDI or OBDII isn't an issue, I can pretty much select any 5.0L EFI V8 that I can find. Is there a year or model vehicle I should be looking for as a doner that would be easier to swap in vs others? Logically thinking, an OBDI would be easier wouldn't it?

 

[Teddyzee]

Any Mustang 5.0 HO EFI ('87 to '93) is the simplest to wire, given the available resources. (The Harwood swap manual, and online free Mustang EVTMs).

As far as physical engine parts, using Mustang front accessories (waterpump, alt, ps pump
) will fit, like on my truck, as long as you move the rad. Moving the rad is a very simple procedure.

'94-'95 Mustangs, '96-'01 Explorers, and the last 5.0 HO cougars (1992-ish) all had shorter accessories/brackets that would allow you to leave the rad in the stock location, and therefore retain AC if that interests you.

So I'd recommend an HO motor for the increased power, at the same swap cost.

My truck was OBDII, wiring the OBD1 Mustang wiring was simple.
Functionally, you would never know it wasn't stock.

 

[rkneeshaw]

So then I would need a transmission still... because I dont htink the M5OD will mate to any of the V8's out there.

 

[1mean02hd]

So then I would need a transmission still... because I dont htink the M5OD will mate to any of the V8's out there.

Get an M5OD from a 97-newer F150 4x4 with a V6. I have heard the shifter placement is excellent for a Ranger swap. Or you could get an M5OD out of any older F150 4x4 with a 302 or a 300- 6. I think the 351W equipped trucks came with ZF 5 speeds which are substantially larger than the M5. BTW, your speedo hook-up is in the transfer case IIRC, so if you're going to keep the original case, you'll be good there.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Almost positive a RBV t-case will not bolt to any V8 manual tranny.

 

[Maverick]

You can run a NV3550 behind a 5.0 and have it bolt to your factory transfercase with adapters from AA. This is the route I would go if sticking a manual behind a V8 in a Ranger. It's a fairly compact and lightweight trans with a great first gear ratio for a 4x4.

 

[1badexplorer]

You could use a M5OD R-2 from any 88-96 F150 with a 300, 302, or 351W. Some F250s used the same trans. Just check and make sure that it doen't have a PTO port on the trans. ( a ZF5 speed will). BTW you could also possibly use the F150 transfercase that is mated to the transmission. Some F-150s and Broncos had a push button. It maybe cheaper and easier to use the whole deal and wire it in. Who know maybe it will plug in? I know the F1-50 transfercase will be stronger than a Ranger case.

 

[Snoranger]

Some F-150s and Broncos had a push button. It maybe cheaper and easier to use the whole deal and wire it in. Who know maybe it will plug in? I know the F1-50 transfercase will be stronger than a Ranger case.

I threw the shift computer from my 94 Explorer to in an '89 Full size bronco, just to test the T-case motor. It worked perfect. So some fullsize cases will work (it may not be plug and play) with the Ranger wiring. If the plug is the same , it should work.

I dont know if it was the 13-56 or the 13-45 in the Bronco, but from what i've read they are interchangeable.