2006 mustang 4.0 into a 1997 ranger XL 3.0 4x4. Can it be done?

[Trevorsriverford]

I've got a 1997 (late model '96) ranger XL, 3.0, 4x4 and I want to swap in a 2006, 4.0 mustang engine, both trannies are good . Will it work or is there some work involved. It's just a fun project so no worries on time, maybe some on cost....thanks.... I'm new..?

 

[cbxer55]

The factory 4.0 in the Stang is 210 hp. I have one, auto to boot. Love it for what it is. Bought it because it caught my eye appearance wise. It already had a dual exhaust catback. And first thing I did was replace the intake with a WeaponR. I'm pretty happy with the way it runs. I could see it in a Ranger. I was wondering myself, what the difference is between the 4.0 Rangers and the one in the Stang. We have bunches of 4.0 Rangers at work, work vehicles. They run pretty good.

Having said that, I am also happy with my 3.0 Ranger auto. Had it 20 years, still runs great. No muffler exhaust, MAC intake, JET chip. Runs great!

 

[cbxer55]

Not sure if the exhaust manifolds on the Mustang 4.0 will work in the Ranger though. They have what appear to be almost equal length runners, about 10 to 12 inches long, pointing straight down toward the ground. I suspect the 4.0 in the Mustang can do that since the engine bay can fit a V-8 easily, and the 4.0 kind of looks small in there. LMAO!!

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Different bellhousing patterns.

Not sure about transfer case, either.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

You CAN do anything

4.0l SOHC engine was used in Rangers, 2001 and up

So fitment is not an issue and parts are available

But there are a few problems
2006 Mustang used "drive by wire" so no throttle cable
2006 Mustang computer is "married" to its instrument cluster, so can't be used without it, even in another Mustang, same for 2004 and up Rangers

2WD Mustang transmission can't be used with a transfer case
3.0l 4x4 transmission won't fit the 4.0l engine

So you would need
2001-2003 Ranger 4.0l computer and engine wiring harness, + PATS key for that computer
2001-2003 Ranger 4.0l upper and lower intake and wiring
2001-2003 Ranger 4.0l 4x4 transmission, 3.0l transfer case is OK to use

And yes, exhaust manifolds as well

So CAN be done, but quite frankly a 5.0l OHV V8 swap would be easier and cheaper, and you would have something thats better than a 2001-2011 4.0l SOHC Ranger, which is what you are building, and anyone can go out and buy the factory version of

 

[Trevorsriverford]

Thanks for the info, I'm going to digest this info but something is gonna happen....thanks again.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Rogue performance has some.badass writeups on shoving a blower on the 3.0. Has been done successfully in the past.

 

[cbxer55]

Rogue performance has some.badass writeups on shoving a blower on the 3.0. Has been done successfully in the past.

Really? A blower on the 3.0. That I'd like to investigate. I like mine as it is now. A blower would just be icing on the cake. I know there's actually been kits for the 4.0. Not the 3.0. Guess everything has to be done custom.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Rogue Performance

Rogue Performacne Website

rogueperformance.com

Bon appetité