Hi, I have a 97 ford ranger 4x4, 4.0l with a cracked head and i was wondering if a 99 4.0 explorer motor would be a direct hookup. Please let me know of this should be the route I take. Thanks

 

Your 1997 4.0l is an OHV model
1999 Explorer had two different 4.0l engine options, OHV and SOHC

4.0l OHV would work
4.0l SOHC would not

4.0l OHV heads are not expensive or hard to change, IMO that would be the route to take

If you get the explorer 4.0l OHV you will need to swap over your current upper and lower intakes, and oil pan, 1999 explorer intakes and oil pan won't work