Swap Compatibility for 94 4.0 Splash MT

[bubbanugs]

Hi Everyone,

1994 Manual Ford Ranger Splash the 4.0. This is my first post.

For a few reasons, I’m looking to 5.0 swap the Ranger and I’m wondering about compatibility.

I got a lead on a 5.0 from a 2000 mercury mountaineer. I don’t foresee any issues with putting this in the truck, however my concerns arise with what transmission to use. Can I buy a T45 out of a V8 car and use that? Will the T45 even work with my truck? Will I need to buy a T5 and adapt that to the 5.0 block?

I have a 7.3” rear axle? Got a lead on a good 8.8” that I’m open to picking up. Are there other options out there that would make this easier? Could I just buy a whole explorer drivetrain?

Really just looking for knowledge and options from people that have been doing this longer than me.

 

[Curious Hound]

Is the Mountaineer 2wd or Awd? If 2wd, use the transmission it has. In fact, its rear axle would work, too. But you would need to swap the spring perches to the top of the axle.

Putting the 2000 5.0l in the 94 Ranger will have some wiring challenges because the wiring architecture changed from EEC IV to OBD II between those years. In my opinion, the wiring is the most challenging part of that swap. And I'm an old electrician. You will need the complete engine wiring harness and pcm to match the engine. It could actually be easier to use an aftermarket pcm and wiring harness like Holley or FITech or similar.

But, hey. I'm not finished with mine, yet. So I don't know it all.

Thread '93 Splash in SC, V8-Swap version'

Dec 23, 2025

Welcome to Chapter 2 of 93 Splash in SC. This is a continuation from HERE.

I have just purchased a 1996 Explorer V8, AWD Limited, which will be an engine donor for a V8 swap. I also have acquired a 4406 manual transfer case. Please follow along on this adventure.

Donor loaded for the trip home.

How I found the donor when I arrived.

The manual t-case from the junk yard.

• Curious Hound
• Replies: 363
• Forum: 1983-2011 Off-Road & 4x4 Ford Ranger's

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[bubbanugs]

Thanks so much for sending that along. This has discouraged me a little from buying a newer 5.0. I wouldn’t want to swap out my dash.

I would assume one from the late 80s or early 90s would be a much easier swap. Maybe I should be looking for one run with EEC IV.

 

[Things2do]

Are you sure about your axle? I was under the impression that the 4.0 only came with the 8.8".

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yes a 4L Ranger has an 8.8, it's a 28 spline axle which should be fine, it's what the Mustangs got as well... going to an explorer axle is a step in strength with bigger axle shafts...

Might not necessairly lose your stock dash, stock speedo is mechanical and gauge sensors/switches are just pipe threads so could be reused. The hard part would be the speedo drive depending on what transmission you use... the M5OD from a 4.2L F150 if you get the first year I think still has a speedo cable drive

 

[Curious Hound]

Yes a 4L Ranger has an 8.8, it's a 28 spline axle which should be fine, it's what the Mustangs got as well... going to an explorer axle is a step in strength with bigger axle shafts...

Might not necessairly lose your stock dash, stock speedo is mechanical and gauge sensors/switches are just pipe threads so could be reused. The hard part would be the speedo drive depending on what transmission you use... the M5OD from a 4.2L F150 if you get the first year I think still has a speedo cable drive

His newer speedo from the explorer is electronic. So, there will be some "conjuring and adapting" to get the older mechanical speedo to work. I guess that might depend on what transmission he uses.

 

[scotts90ranger]

His newer speedo from the explorer is electronic. So, there will be some "conjuring and adapting" to get the older mechanical speedo to work. I guess that might depend on what transmission he uses.

Yeah, that's what I was getting at... I have a plan for the Mountaineer drivetrain I have that will require getting a 4x2 4R70W but I think there should be parts available somewhere...