Swapping non-PATS 97 Explorer 5.0 into 03 Ranger question

[97Ranger3.0]

I have a 2003 Ranger that I am currently trying to find a donor Explorer for a 5.0 swap. From what I have read on this site, a 98-01 Explorer would be the best choice for the simplest conversion. I've been looking at Explorer's for a few months now and not having a ton of luck so far. I came across what looks to be a good condition 97 Mountaineer, but from what I've read the 97 won't have PATS. So, I would think that would actually simplify the conversion right? I'd be essentially just getting rid of the existing PATS in the truck right? I can't find any information about this through searching or in tech articles. Everything I've read said basically to use a non PATS explorer for non PATS rangers and vice versa. So my question is, is there any reason I couldn't use a non PATS explorer donor and ditch the PATS all together? Or is it not actually that simple. Thank you

 

[rubydist]

You should be able to use the non-PATS pcm in the Ranger with no issue on that part. The hardest part will be the speedometer because of the way the 2001+ Rangers got their speedo signal is totally different from how the 96-97 Ex got their speedo signal. I believe that you can use a trans or t-case with the early style speedo signal and wire that into the cluster, but I have not confirmed that yet. Alternatively, you can get a Dakota Digital or similar and generate the speed signal that the 03 cluster is looking for.