I have a 2000 4.0L auto 4x4 ranger and suspect that the head gasket is blown at least and probably more issues since I have in my cylinders I have on 1-165psi 2-50psi 3-150psi 4-180psi 5-35psi and 6-0 or 5 psi it’s almost non existent. Did wet test no changes. ordered head gaskets in the chance that’s all it is but this weekend I’m tearing it apart to confirm. In the off chance what 4.0 ohvs are compatible with my year? I see one on marketplace near me that is from a 97 explorer but from a manual so I’d have to swap probably the flywheel and harness. Would that work? If not what other ones would? Thank you!

edit: also given the chance I go this route. How hard would it be to put a 5.0 in it and what would the steps be?

 

Manual or automatic don't matter, but yes you have to swap in your flex plate over if "new" engine was a manual
2000 Ranger has a 4.0l OHV engine, not to be confused with the later model 4.0l SOHC(2001 and up Rangers)

1999/2000 Ranger 4.0l or Mazda B4000 would be direct swaps plug and play

1990-1998 4.0l OHV would be fine to use just need to swap over your 2000 upper and lower intakes to match 2000 wiring and fuel system
Explorer 4.0l OHV is OK as well, but does need to be 4.0l OHV, Explorers could have either OHV or SOHC engines starting in 1997


V8 swap requires "new" engine/trans and transfer case, plus "new" computer and wiring, so much more working than an engine swap/rebuild
Article here in that swap: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...0-ford-ranger/

 

thanks RonD! That helps a lot!!

 

so on marketplace there a 97 explorer 4.0 ohv. It has 156,000 miles on it and does need new valve cover gaskets and I have those plus head gaskets too so that’s not a big issue. The guy was $375 for it I think I could get it lower maybe bc of the valve gaskets. Do you think I should go for this or should I wait until I find a 99-2000 ranger 4.0? What would be the big differences between those two years? Thanks for all the advice!