2000 Explorer V8 4x4 to 2001 4.0 Ranger 4X4

[G8orFord]

I recently bought a 2001 Ranger 4x4 ExCab with a SOHC 4.0. The truck had been sitting for about 3 years, but after replacing the fuel pump, t-stat housing, radiator and several misc. other items, it's now a running and driving vehicle. However, it does have 258k on it and the engine has a fairly steady tapping sound on the passenger side bank. I'm pretty sure it's something in the valve train, but I haven't had a chance to investigate in depth yet. I'm also concerned that it may have leaking headgaskets or possibly warped heads since it was obviously overheated before it was parked. Either way, I figure the engine is due for a rebuild if I want it to be reasonably reliable. That said, I have a line on a 2000 4x4 Explorer V8 for what I believe is a fairly decent price. From the little research I've done, I believe that a swap from the Explorer to the Ranger would be fairly straight forward, with only minor issues to be dealt with. Am I correct on this?

I figure if I'm going to have to pull the 6 banger for a rebuild anyway, I might as well look into putting a 5.0 back in it's spot. Granted, it will be more costly and require at least some modifications, but I want to at least explore the possibility. I figure you guys are the ones that can either talk me off the ledge or push me over it. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[G8orFord]

Not even a "do your own research, we're not here to spoon feed you" reply? LOL

Oh well, I'll probably go ahead and get the Expo if it's still available and either turn it around for a few bucks or swap it and figure out the rest as I go.

 

[Ranger850]

Depending on what you want for it, I may be interested in the V8Expo. I cant find one for a decent price around here. If it runs, no matter how bad, or what shape the body/interior is in, most are around $1000. To me that's way too much for a parts/donor truck.

 

[G8orFord]

Well, the guy wants $1200 for this one, but it runs and drives. I've easily got that in the Ranger already between the purchase and parts I've replaced, so I don't think it's too far from a fair price. At least until I've actually seen it and heard it run. That could change everything.

 

[Ranger850]

Yeah that's what I figured for a decent one, but I don't care about interior, all I'm looking for is the Motor/Trans/Rear End/Harness/Computer. The rest I either already have or can/will get. People think because their 20yo explorer has a v8 and itr runs, they need top $$$ for it. But the velour interior is trashed and the plastic is barely there and they still want $1000 or more, with 250kmiles. NO WAY

 

[G8orFord]

My procrastination saved me $1200. LOL The Explorer I was looking at on CL is already sold.

 

[Ranger850]

im a cheap skate. for $1200, i would drive the explorer before i used it for parts..