Thinking of 5.0 swap...

[th3cavalry]

I got a 98 5spd 2wd 2.5L ranger. I'm currently trying to get together everything I need for a 2.3L turbo swap(iv got my block, header, pistons and rods), and ran across some info for a 5.0 swap. In the tech articles here, it is for a 4wd ranger. If I have a 2wd, will it still work?

IE: Taking the 5.0 and dropping it in. I know the trans will not mount up, and since the speedo signal is in the ABS module, then I could put in a T-5 trans or something.

Will the 5.0 EFI swap still work if I use just the motor and other things, but not use the auto trans and xfer case, then have a ford dealership turn off the auto trans paramiter in the ecu?? and the 4x4 param if needed? I'm torn between two different swaps. I know all about the 2.3T, now I'm just trying to gather info on the 5.0 swap.

Somethings getting swapped lol!

 

[baddad457]

A 98 is plug in play, just need a 2wd V8 Explorer or Mountaineer for a donor. Everything will bolt in and plug into your truck.

 

[th3cavalry]

Finding a 2wd explorer/mountineer will be hard.

Could I get everything under the hood needed like the hoses, engine bay wiring, and 5.0, 5 speed that mates up to the 302, and a ecu from a 2wd v8, and peice that together?

If so, what would be a good 5 speed to fit in my 98 ranger? it has a md50 or whatever now mated to the 2.5L.

 

[RangerSVT]

Yes, grab the motor, ECU, engine harness, unplug the heater hoses at the firewall, and grab the altenator harness from behind the battery to the motor, complete FEAD, throttle cable, cruise control cable and motor. It is 100% plug and play, BW T-5 from mid 80's -95 mustang work well, just need to mod a hydro clutch (very easy, and has been done numeros times here) Once you get it in, either get you an SCT tuner or have it towed to the ford dealership to have the ECU reprogrammed to delete the auto trans....4x4 doesn't have a program with the ECU. Grab the first 98 V8 explorer you find, and if its AWD, grab a trans from 4.2L F150, most of them were 4R70W's...
SVT

 

[th3cavalry]

I'm wanting to keep a 5 speed. What trans will work? The md50 in my ranger is hydro now. Don't the 2.5/2.3 share trans bolt holes with the 302?


Complete fead? And my truck doesn't have cruise control. Throttle cable from petal up correct?

 

[RangerSVT]

The 4 cyl motor don't share the same bellhousing. Use either a mustang 5 spd (the BW T-5) or a M5OD-R2 (out of a full size ford)...
FEAD Front Engine Accessory Drive...
Throttle from pedal to motor...
SVT

 

[th3cavalry]

So the feed is like alt ps pump and that good stuff. Is the md50-r2 hydraulic? And what needs to be fabricated for it to work?

 

[RangerSVT]

Yes, alt, PS pump, AC, etc. And yes, the M5OD-R2 is hydraulic, and is bolt in. driveshaft length should fit, but will vary depending on location of motor...
SVT

 

[th3cavalry]

Location of motor? I plan on using the stock motor mounts and trans mounts. I will use a 8.8 from an explorer also with the m50d-r2.

What effect will happen driving the truck with the auto trans still programmed into the ecu after swap is said and done.

 

[baddad457]

Location of motor? I plan on using the stock motor mounts and trans mounts. I will use a 8.8 from an explorer also with the m50d-r2.

What effect will happen driving the truck with the auto trans still programmed into the ecu after swap is said and done.

As far as I've heard, all it will do is throw a code saying the transmission isn't functioning. It's not a major obstacle to a swap

 

[RangerSVT]

As baddad said, it will throw codes looking for the trans, and throttle response and slightly less power will also be present...
SVT

 

[th3cavalry]

So it will still be drivable to head to the exhaust shop then to the ford dealership to get the trans removed.

Could I just take the ecu itself to them and have it removed like thay?

 

[RangerSVT]

Yes, you can drive it to the exhaust shop and the dealer. No, you can't take just the ECU, they have to do it using the diagnostic port...
SVT

 

[Mac]

Question about PAT's, know his truck doesn't have it but doesn't that limit him to a '97' ECU? Most use the T-5 for a 4x2 application, better gear ratios.
Dave

 

[RangerSVT]

No, not necessarily...As long as you have the correct fuel system, you can delete the PATS, just like you can delete the auto trans...
SVT