What year Explorer best to swap 5.0 into 85 4x4 Ranger

[DaddysTruck]

I'm wanting to drop a 5.0 into my dad's old truck, it's a 1985 2.8l v6 5 speed regular cab Ranger. I am looking to buy a 5.0 equipped Explorer as a donor vehicle for the swap, and I need an idea of what year Explorer would have all the right parts I will need. I want the 4wd to be in working order. I know it's not the greatest idea, but if it's possible I might mate the v8 to the original transmission for the sake of easierness. This is just going to be a drive it to work once in a while type thing, not slamming it through the rocks or anything like that. Any help would be very.. helpful.

 

[JoshT]

Being a early model ranger like that, pretty much any year 5.0L Explorer would have about the same parts that you need. Just have to find one that had a 4wd transfer case instead of an AWD case, or you will have to source a transfer case from something else. Using your existing Ranger trans with the V8 would not be recommended.

96-97 non PATS Explorer (can't recall exact year range) would be your best option, since it doesn't require programming to get rid of the anti-thrift crap. 96-97 also have the standard GT-40 heads which are better for headers should you choose to run them.

Basically what you might be able to use from the Explorer is:
Engine
Transmission
Transfer case
Rear axle (it's a little wider than stock though)
EFI system if you can rewire it to work
Radiator if you feel like hacking your core support to fit


Other things you'll need to source:
Engine mounts
Radiator (94 Explorer 4.0L dual core works well)
Drive shafts
Fuel system (later EFI Ranger tank w/sender -or- in line EFI pump attached to existing tank)
Transmission controller (If you use 4R70W trans from Explorer and don't use the Explorer EFI system)

I'm sure that there more items to be added to both lists, but that's a starting point.

 

[DaddysTruck]

Avoiding the pats system is a good idea I didn't think about. I was looking to buy a 98+ model Explorer. It seems like all of the 5.0 models are AWD, I'm not sure if they even had a 4wd option. I'm pretty sure there were no 5 speed v8 Explorers either. Would it be a better choice to source from a Mustang or some other vehicle?