Thinking about another 302 swap, have some questions...

[5.0]

My first swap was using a 5.0/AOD from a '92 T-Bird into my '97 Ranger. I had the whole donor car to work with, so there was no searching for extra parts or mix-n-matching things. Everything went flawlessly and worked perfectly from the first start up.

Now I'm wanting to try another swap..., but it will be pieced together.

The truck is a '93 Ranger with a 4.0 and an auto.

The engine I want to get is a 5.0 from a '99 Explorer.

The transmission I want to use is an AOD from a '90 SuperCoupe with a fresh rebuild.


If I want to keep the distributorless ignition of the Explorer and still use my AOD, can that be done? My brother has a QuarterHorse system from Moates and says he can turn off the transmission and emission functions in my Explorer computer so it can work with the older AOD. Does this sound right?

Otherwise, I find a harness from a Mustang or another T-Bird and use that with a distributor? It just that easy?



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[Teddyzee]

Yes, you've got it.

The Turbo Coupe trans has a Windsor bolt pattern? If so, the AOD needs no electronic control, just the TV cable. (grab the throttle cable bracket off any fox Mustang, or T-bird, etc.)

As you probably know, the Ex engine will fit in there without moving the rad, you can even run the mechanical fan if you choose.

One other thing to consider, the '99 Explorer uses a returnless fuel system (pressure controlled by the pump or near the pump), and PATS, as detailed here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/5_0_swap_in_newer_ranger.html

 

[1mean02hd]

I'm pretty sure that the SuperCoupes have AODEs in them.... not 100% positive on this but, you might want to research this a little further. I know that the 3.8L V6 uses the small Ford bellhousing but, these MN12 chassis cars had all kinds of electrical upgrades and I think the trans was one of them. Would definitely be cool to see the 3.8L SC dumped into a Ranger with a 5 speed though

 

[5.0]

Yes, you've got it.

The Turbo Coupe trans has a Windsor bolt pattern? If so, the AOD needs no electronic control, just the TV cable. (grab the throttle cable bracket off any fox Mustang, or T-bird, etc.)

As you probably know, the Ex engine will fit in there without moving the rad, you can even run the mechanical fan if you choose.

One other thing to consider, the '99 Explorer uses a returnless fuel system (pressure controlled by the pump or near the pump), and PATS, as detailed here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/5_0_swap_in_newer_ranger.html

I'm pretty sure the 3.8 is the Windsor pattern because a lot of the SC guys run transmissions from behind a 302 in their cars. I'm just hoping my brother can make the Explorer computer work without having communication with a 4R70W.

And yea, the thing I like the most about the Explorer motor is that the radiator/fan situation is a snap, and I can still have A/C too.

I forgot about the returnless fuel system, so I'll just swap fuel rails. And I'll grab a wiring harness from an earlier 96/97 Explorer without PATS.

I'm pretty sure that the SuperCoupes have AODEs in them.... not 100% positive on this but, you might want to research this a little further. I know that the 3.8L V6 uses the small Ford bellhousing but, these MN12 chassis cars had all kinds of electrical upgrades and I think the trans was one of them. Would definitely be cool to see the 3.8L SC dumped into a Ranger with a 5 speed though

The later ones have an AODE, but the earlier ones have the old AOD, as did the 5.0 Sport models.

My brother has a complete spare 3.8 SC motor complete with all accessories, wiring harness, computer, IC tubes... EVERYTHING! I thought about swapping it in because the 3.8 can make some decent power with a few bolt ons, but the accessory package on the front would be right in the steering box.

I also have a good running 460 that I'm thinking of swapping in...


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[Teddyzee]

Yes, if you use an older Ex harness and fuel rails, you'll fix that problem.

As far as I know, it will run fine without the trans hookup, but likely show a check engine light. And people oftenm comment that they can tune the trans functions off, so I see no issue.

You didn't mention doing this, but keep in mind Explorer fuel rails won't work with a distributor, as the rail hangs over the dist hole a little... D'oh! i was going to clean mine up this winter with Ex rails and factory fuel lines.

 

[originalnitro]

couldn't you use the PCM out of 5-speed Ex and the AOD and the CEL light stay out?

 

[Teddyzee]

couldn't you use the PCM out of 5-speed Ex and the AOD and the CEL light stay out?

There were no 5speed 5.0 Explorers. But if there were, that would work...

 

[CDW6212R]

Any OBDII PCM can have the trans function turned off with a flasher, SCT Excal's, no problem. The same goes for the PATS, you can use a 98 Explorer PCM if that's what you end up with.

The OBDII and distributorless system is much better than EECIV, but the older stuff is simpler to do. If the engine will be near stock I'd make it EECIV with common Fox mustang stuff.

The AOD is fine for stock 302's, but don't push them without some later upgrade parts. The 4R70W(98+) have all of the good parts already, 500hp is no issue for them when new.

If you can get the entire engine operating system from that Explorer, then you can change anything on the engine and simply alter the PCM program for it. Regards,