2000 5.0 Explorer Swap Into 98 Ranger 4.0

Craig0320 · Jun 18, 2018

fastpakr said:
Craig, did you have any trouble with the condenser fitting into the Ranger? I had a little time on Saturday to continue working, but it definitely won't drop in. The plastic brackets on the outside of the condenser interfere with the metal arms going vertically down to the trough that the condenser rides in.

I used my ranger condensor. The only thing different on the a/c system is the 5.0 compressor. Even those lines hooked right back up to the factory 4.0 ones.

fastpakr · Jun 18, 2018

Interesting. I need to replace the condenser anyway. Unfortunate that I already bought the 5.0 version and it's long past the return period. Thanks for the clarification!

Craig0320 · Jun 18, 2018

SumoPsycho said:
Yep, I may have went a little overboard. But now fitting the V8, 5speed, transfer case, drive shafts and exhaust should be a lot easer.[emoji41]

How are you going to measure cab/bed clearance for engine/trans without the cab/bed on it?

Craig0320 · Jun 18, 2018

fastpakr said:
Interesting. I need to replace the condenser anyway. Unfortunate that I already bought the 5.0 version and it's long past the return period. Thanks for the clarification!

No problem.Man that sucks. My a/c is ice cold with over 100 degree temps down here with my stock condenser.

fastpakr · Jun 18, 2018

Just to make sure I'm on the same page:
Explorer compressor
Ranger lines?
Ranger condensor

Now that it's been a few months, I need to remind myself what secured the Ranger condenser into place. The Explorer condensor clips to the radiator with weird plastic brackets.

Craig0320 · Jun 18, 2018

You have to use the explorer a/c compressor lines off of the compressor. They are custom bent to travel back to the evaporator and dryer.
Ranger condenser good to use
5.0 compressor good to use

I looked under my truck and it looks like two bolts up top and two at the bottom to mount it.

fastpakr · Jun 18, 2018

Excellent. Maybe I can just bolt in the Explorer compressor without the brackets and call it a day. I'm pretty sure it would fit in without those.

Thanks again.

SumoPsycho · Jun 18, 2018

Craig0320 said:
How are you going to measure cab/bed clearance for engine/trans without the cab/bed on it?

There’s no easy option for lowering the drivetrain in the frame. So that leaves me with lifting the body.
(I’m fairly certain that I’ll need clearance for the ZF trans)
When re-installing the cab I will use hockey pucks to “lift” it as needed. I figured that since I would have to unbolt the body anyway might as well make removal/installation of the drivetrain easer.
Should be picking up a 2010 parts truck this week with a clean fleet side bed, the stepside bed is hella small.
[emoji106][emoji4][emoji106]

Craig0320 · Jun 18, 2018

fastpakr said:
Excellent. Maybe I can just bolt in the Explorer compressor without the brackets and call it a day. I'm pretty sure it would fit in without those.

Thanks again.

I dropped the engine in my ranger with every accessory still bolted to it. There were no issues. What is the problem you will have bolting it in with the brackets?

fastpakr · Jun 18, 2018

Sorry, doing too many things at once. The engine and all accessories are already in on mine as well. I meant to say condenser!

Craig0320 · Jun 18, 2018

fastpakr said:
Sorry, doing too many things at once. The engine and all accessories are already in on mine as well. I meant to say condenser!

Lol ok then.

SumoPsycho · Jun 23, 2018

I just picked up another parts truck.
2010 2wd 4 cylinder rear disc brakes with a bad trans.

Jbrown1238 · Jun 23, 2018

Craig0320 said:
You have to use the explorer a/c compressor lines off of the compressor. They are custom bent to travel back to the evaporator and dryer.
Ranger condenser good to use
5.0 compressor good to use

I looked under my truck and it looks like two bolts up top and two at the bottom to mount it.

Just a FYI, I do know a few people who have used the Ranger condenser without issue. It will bolt directly to the Explorer lines, and in some cases even seal well enough to use. However, the Explorer and Ranger Condenser connections are slightly different. I tried two brand new Ranger condensers and could not get either one to hold a vacuum. I bit the bullet and got the Explorer condenser and the problem was solved. This was using all new ac components, lines, and seals.

fastpakr · Jun 23, 2018

Did you bolt in the explorer condenser vs using the mounting brackets?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Jbrown1238 · Jun 24, 2018

fastpakr said:
Did you bolt in the explorer condenser vs using the mounting brackets?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Mine went together in June 2015. Going from memory I used all OEM direct fit parts up front for a 2001 5.0 Explorer. This was going into a 1999 2wd coil spring Reg cab. I remember buying all new ac parts and everything was Explorer part numbers except the evaporator and the condenser. I tried to use the Ranger condenser only because it was less expensive and looked like the connections were identical to the Explorer piece. After not being able to get a good seal I compared the Explorer condenser to the Ranger condenser with a micrometer. The connections measured out differently. Online the connections were listed as different types.

To answer your question, My condenser was mounted as it should be in the Explorer. 5.0 radiator, 5.0 shroud, 5.0 fan, etc.

2000 5.0 Explorer Swap Into 98 Ranger 4.0

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