Swapping a 2000 4.0 and C4 transmission into 94 ranger with a 2.5L with a manual trans

[Nicworrell94rangwr]

The engine and trans I’m getting just came out of a 98 and it comes with everything besides a wiring harness and engine mounts. The trans comes with a 3 speed shifter and all the connections I’m probably gonna go to an auto wrecking yard and get all that I need from a 2000 ranger there. Is this a good idea or is there a cheaper and or smarter way of doing this? Also has anyone done this swap before and how long should it take if all goes to plan?

 

[97RangerXLT]

I can't speak for the transmission, as I am not all that familiar with the c4 but you will need the engine ECM and harness, and motor mounts. you will also need the radiator for a 4.0 which is double row instead of single row. I was pretty sure that the 4.0 came with the 5r55e transmission, which will not play nice with your truck being pre 95, but maybe that is where the c4 will help. You might also need to adjust the driveshaft link/ connectors.

AS for cheaper.... how much do you have in it for the new engine/ transmission? is it equal to a comparable the cost of buying a 90's / 3rd gen with that engine already in it? If the engine and trans are low cost, eh go for it. post pictures and keep us up to date.

Welcome to TRS btw..

AJ

 

[Nicworrell94rangwr]

Thanks and I’m spending 1400 on a complete 4.0 swap with the transmission. It came out of a rugged radios truck. It does come with a radiator so that should lighten my load. And it comes with a computer too everything should just be mounting and wiring I hope.

 

[RonD]

Are you sure its not a V8, 5.0l?

If its a 4.0l then the C4 would have a C5 bellhousing for a 2.8l V6, the 2.8l V6 has same trans bolt pattern as the 4.0l V6
C4 were usually only used on V8s or straight 6, who's bolt patterns didn't match 4.0l V6
Rangers got C3s and C5s in the early years, 1983/4
C4 and C5 are basically the same transmission but C5 had better torque converter lockup

The computer for the 4.0l fuel injection would need to be from a Manual transmission vehicle, if its a 1995 or later model computer then it would also control spark, no separate EDIS module, just a coil pack
It will also want to "see" a rear/downstream O2 sensor, after Cat converter

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

ron - a 4.0 /c4 set up is very common in desert racing - rugged radios is a desert racing coms company.

OP- if youre not going to build a custom dash and cluster for the truck then youll need the dash and gauge cluster from the later model truck. yours is OBD1 and the truck youre swapping from is obd2 so none of your gauges will work.

side note, is the 4.0 a sohc or ohv engine? if this is going in a prerunner do NOT waste your time swapping in a 4.0 OHV unless its built. you will be VERY disappointed with it especially with a c4 behind it. mine made 100 hp to the tire!!! your current 4cyl and factory trans is probably faster lol. you're ahead of the game and now's the time to make that decision since you have to buy a wiring harness and truck interior pieces ANYWAYS.

its probably safe to assume the c4 has a manual valve body in it so youll need a art carr shifter for it if it didnt come with one

again if its a prerunner go for auto fab engine mounts

youll need to build a transmission mount crossmember

drive line will need to be adjusted to accommodate the c4 length and type of output shaft it has weather its a slip or fixed yoke.


it takes a while to do the swap nicely and route wiring in a clean manor. take your time.

 

[Nicworrell94rangwr]

Thanks this was really helpful actually. Yah I’m definitely going for a off-road build and I’m gonna fabricate a new dash and a mount for the shifter. So it is has a manual valve body, it comes with the shifter and all the assembly for it. The engine is an sohc. I actually have a new ring and pinion I’m having installed after the swap just because I’m running 33’s on a stock dif with that 2.5 pushing so hills and freeway are definitely not my best friend. All in all my goal is to build a street legal pre runner. I plan to build a cage as soon as the engine and overall vehicle is running if anyone has tips on that too I might as well ask.

 

[Nicworrell94rangwr]

Here’s a few pictures of it a few moths ago before I cut the fenders back for clearance ill get more pictures tomorrow.

 

[Nicworrell94rangwr]

Also here’s what I’m getting

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

so just a heads up for when you need to get parts.... if that motor is said to be a 2000 like your post its actually from an explorer not a ranger. rangers didnt get a sohc till 2001.

thats a great combo for a fun prerunner. i have the same in mine. if it doesnt have them already, youll wanna go get fuel rails from a 1997 explorer. that was the only year sohc that has a return style fuel rail/lines. that way you can use your stock pump and lines and stuff.

 

[Nicworrell94rangwr]

Thanks for the heads up I’ll post a few more pics today of my current engine and undercarriage hopefully that sparks some more conversation you guys have been really helpful.