Want to replace engine

[DANNY3VB]

I have a 97 ranger with a 4.0 liter, my daily driver. I need to check the oil pump but the haynes manual and my mechanic software say i have to remove the engine from the vehicle to drop the oil pan. i was thinking, if i have to take the whole thing out why not put something better in it. I wanted a V8 but that seems like too much trouble. So im going to stick with the 4.0.

My question is, what 4.0 would be a straight DROP IN? Could i use a newer 4.0 like a 2000+ SOHC or do I have to use a 97 and under 0hv.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[04ranger1tirefire]

im not an expert but i would say theoretically it should drop in but im not sure about wiring harness or your ecu the mounts should be the same and i dont think the size really changed if it did it maybe very little cuz you have to add in the sohc

 

[chrwilkins30]

IIRC no a sohc wont drop in. If it did then everyone would do it.

 

[superds]

There's someone on TRS that has a SOHC 4.0 and running it with a OHV computer, I can't remember who it was..maybe someone with "86" "sohc" in their user name...

 

[superds]

Well, here's one SOHC swap: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91589

Still looking for the other one I was thinking of...

 

[superds]

3 in a row...I'm kinda a post whore it seems...

It appears this is the guy I was thinking of with the 4.0 SOHC with ohv computer:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35258