Hi guys , can anyone fill me in on what I would need for a v8 swap?
i have a 2003 5 speed , 4.0 sohc, fx4 lvl2. That I need to pull the motor out of soon. My rear timing chain is making a load of noise. I've changed the tensioners to no success. Anyways I heard that a v8 out of a explorer is a plug and play job. Is this true ? What years would I need ? What harness would I need. This is going to be my first time pulling an engine , but the way I see it is that once Its out , I'll learn. I'll either rebuild or convert. Ideally I'd love a diesel motor in my truck.

But it anyways what year explorer should I need ? Any pros cons ? Trying to do the research before I commit. Thanks !

 

Outside of the bragging rights, the 4.0l SOHC to explorer V8 isn't a very beneficial swap, powerwise

4.0l SOHC engine is rated at 207HP
Explorer V8 is rated at 210HP, some years were 215HP

You do get more torque
4.0l SOHC 245ft/lb
Explorer V8 280ft/lb

And "there is no replacement for displacement" so as a labor of love why not, lol, but in practical terms, alot of work for small upside.

You need to buy the whole Explorer/Mountaineer, 1996/7 are best years since there is no PATS(passive anti-theft system) to deal with.
But any 1996 to 2001 V8 Explorer or Mountaineer will work, 2002 and up have the 4.6l V8 which won't fit in a Ranger, well without major cutting, lol.
They all used 4R70W automatics, so if you want manual trans that adds another layer.
You have a 5-speed, which used to mean Manual Trans, but 2003 Ranger had 5-speed automatic, lol, so could read that either way.
If you want to stay with manual trans then you will need the manual trans(M5OD-R2) and transfer case from a 1997 to 2003 F-150 4x4 with 4.2l V6, yes V6, it had same bolt pattern as windsor V8(5.0l), you do need to enlarge the bolt holes by 1/8", metric to SAE
The 1996 and earlier M5OD-R2 transmissions that came on 5.0ls had the shifter farther forward, and they can be used, you will just need to cut floor pan a bit farther towards the front and custom bend the shift arm to clear the dash

Your Ranger engine/transmission/transfer case, exhaust and drive lines need to come out
And engine wiring harness and computer.

Explorers wiring and computer will be needed, along with engine/trans/transfer case, or get manual trans/transfer case, can't use auto transfer case on manual trans.
Exhaust needs some custom work
Oil filter needs remote mounting kit
Dual sump oil pan for 4x4

You will need wiring diagrams for the 2003 and whatever year vehicle the V8 comes from so you can splice correct wires together.

Speedometer will need an interface unless you get a 1996/7 transmission transfer case
E-fan on radiator

Good read here on 1995-1997 Ranger V8 swap: http://www.therangerstation.com/Maga...7_ranger.shtml


IMO...........I would fix the 4.0l SOHC and then shop around for older Ranger with automatic, good body and frame with bad engine or trans or both, and a V8 explorer that is rusted out eyesore and but runs, a 2WD conversion would be easiest, and frankly I have never needed more power 4-wheeling than my 160HP 4.0l OHV had, more TRACTION!!! YES, but never ran out of power, lol
And while I will only run manual transmissions in any thing, I have driven automatics off road, and I have to say, automatic wins hands down in pretty much any 4WD situation, heck my left leg almost fell asleep...almost

 

I appreciate it Ron. I will stick with the 4.0 then since the v8 isnt that much beneficial as you mentioned. Im just not liking the idea of the 4.0's with the timing chains. From my research through forums im finding a common trend that most that get upwards of 100,000 miles + tend to have a timing chain go. As well i've been looking locally for a good running parts truck, most im finding are between 100,000- 200,000 km's on them with blown engines. I'd love to do a diesel swap , but finding a 4bt is near impossible over here. The TDI 1.9l seems to be a step backwards from the 4.0 however the fuel mileage benefit seems to be great. This truck is my daily driver ( one with the engine trouble ), and i tend to put a lot of mileage on it. Still weighing options. I did however buy some PB blaster to soak everything down with as im planning on starting the engine pull over the next few days.

With regards to the 4.0, are there any factory lifting points to remove the engine with? or certain areas preferred to secure chains to lift her out?
Also I am like you, everything I own is always manual transmissions. I was going to buy a new truck originally however had a hard time finding something with a manual tranny that i liked. I seem to be attracted to older vehicles xD


Thanks.

 

The timing chain issues with the 4.0l SOHC engines ended in 2006, mid-2005.

The new parts you install won't have the issues the original parts had
So you will get a lot more miles

I usually use exhaust manifolds as lift points, strap them.

There are almost always threaded holes in the heads that can be used as lift points as well

But never pulled a 4.0l SOHC myself


"Standard Transmission" meant manual transmission since "Automatics" were first introduced, Automatic was the Optional transmission

In the late 1990's Automatics become the Standard transmission on almost all models, Manual trans is now the Optional transmission, and you have to pay extra to get it