What Transmision to use for a V8 swap?

[Kevin1972]

I thinking of swapping the 3L V6 in my 98 2WD ranger with a 5L out of a 96/97 explorer. Can I use the 4 spd auto trans thats in my truck, Or will I have to used a different one? And if so, What would be the best option? Thank you.

 

[77'cj7]

Your current trans won't bolt up to the v8, and wouldn't live long if it did. Using the automatic from a 2wd v8 explorer is the easiest option.

 

[88302Camotruck]

I used the AOD from my donor car. I had to buy the 4x4 adapter to mate it to my stock transfer case. If you dont want to make new driveshafts and relocate stuff get the adapter, if you want to refab everything then go with you want!

 

[Mac]

I beleve you can also use the 4R70W from a 3.8 Mustang. 4x2 Explorers are hard to come by. Not sure what year the Explorer transmissions became computer controlled but I "think" they were in '96-97'
Dave

 

[77'cj7]

Yes, all the v8 explorers had computer controlled trans.

 

[94redranger]

Would I be able to use the M5OD-R1 from my 94 ranger or is that too weak? Will it bolt up to the 5.0(it's on a 4.0 now)? Will the motor have running issues if it had an automatic before?

 

[77'cj7]

No trans that came in a ranger will work behind a 5.0.

If you swap a manual trans onto a explorer motor that still uses the explorer computer, you will need to have it reprogrammed by a tuning company. www.hensonperformance.com is quite talented at tuning these motors

 

[Mac]

No trans that came in a ranger will work behind a 5.0.

If you swap a manual trans onto a explorer motor that still uses the explorer computer, you will need to have it reprogrammed by a tuning company. www.hensonperformance.com is quite talented at tuning these motors

What he said! You going to run a V-8, going to need a V-8 trans. It's that simple (other than the 4R70W from the 3.8).
Dave