- Joined
- Aug 14, 2007
- Messages
- 505
- Reaction score
- 3
- Points
- 18
- Location
- Tooele, UT
- Vehicle Year
- 1990
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.3
- Transmission
- Manual
Planning to swap my 1990 Ranger 2.3 and manual trans 4x4 out for a 1994 Explorer 4.0 auto 4x4. This truck has had a lot done already, we swapped a 88 cab because the original was rusted badly and we got the 88 really cheap. Swapping the 90 dash assembly wasn't easy, but the rest of the body and engine harnesses went in without much trouble. The 2.3 stuff will be kept for a possible B2 project.
At present, the plan is to remove the 2.3 drivetrain and wiring harness completely, as well as the 90 dash and steering column. Then swap in the 4.0 and harness, dash and steering column. It would be nice to have the A/C system, cruise and all accessories from the Explorer working in the Ranger.
The truck has a 6" lift, extended radius arms and 33s. So the current short term plan is to keep the D35 with 4.10s, and the 7.5 until funds make a 4.10 swap into the 8.8 feasible. Though, I do have a 29 spline Chrysler 8.25 with 4.10s already... The Ex has 3.73s but the 4.10s ought to be better with the 33s
As much as I like to think I have a handle on things, I do have some questions. Fuel line fittings from the 90 Ranger and the 94 Explorer, I don't have both trucks to look at right now, just the Ranger. Am I going to have to modify them?
Also, will the 2.3 fuel pump support the 4.0?
Next. Motor mounts. Will the frame side mounts from the Explorer bolt into the Ranger frame? I made some overkill mounts for the 2.3 that I could re-use, but off the shelf stuff is just fine. Fresh new mounts will go between the engine and frame mounts.
Drive shafts. Am I going to need to modify either the Ranger or Explorer shafts, since I'm using an auto in a manual truck? Thinking the front from the Ex will work if there is a length diffence between the 5 speed and auto.
Body harness. I realize the rear brake/turnsignal/backup lights leave the body harness in different places. A there other wiring issues that I should be prepared for?
Brake booster and master cylinder. Is there a good reason to use the Ex booster and cylinder over the Ranger parts?
I'm not concerned with power locks, mirrors, windows or seats for the short term. I can swap doors and seats in later. I will be re-using the heavy duty relay harness I built for aftermarket offroad lights. But might have to relocate the relays.
We will have about 2 weeks to get the complete swap done, but won't have the Explorer in the drive for another week. I have had the motor out twice over the years, and the last time I put it in, I swore the next time would be a different motor. Time is now. I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.
At present, the plan is to remove the 2.3 drivetrain and wiring harness completely, as well as the 90 dash and steering column. Then swap in the 4.0 and harness, dash and steering column. It would be nice to have the A/C system, cruise and all accessories from the Explorer working in the Ranger.
The truck has a 6" lift, extended radius arms and 33s. So the current short term plan is to keep the D35 with 4.10s, and the 7.5 until funds make a 4.10 swap into the 8.8 feasible. Though, I do have a 29 spline Chrysler 8.25 with 4.10s already... The Ex has 3.73s but the 4.10s ought to be better with the 33s
As much as I like to think I have a handle on things, I do have some questions. Fuel line fittings from the 90 Ranger and the 94 Explorer, I don't have both trucks to look at right now, just the Ranger. Am I going to have to modify them?
Also, will the 2.3 fuel pump support the 4.0?
Next. Motor mounts. Will the frame side mounts from the Explorer bolt into the Ranger frame? I made some overkill mounts for the 2.3 that I could re-use, but off the shelf stuff is just fine. Fresh new mounts will go between the engine and frame mounts.
Drive shafts. Am I going to need to modify either the Ranger or Explorer shafts, since I'm using an auto in a manual truck? Thinking the front from the Ex will work if there is a length diffence between the 5 speed and auto.
Body harness. I realize the rear brake/turnsignal/backup lights leave the body harness in different places. A there other wiring issues that I should be prepared for?
Brake booster and master cylinder. Is there a good reason to use the Ex booster and cylinder over the Ranger parts?
I'm not concerned with power locks, mirrors, windows or seats for the short term. I can swap doors and seats in later. I will be re-using the heavy duty relay harness I built for aftermarket offroad lights. But might have to relocate the relays.
We will have about 2 weeks to get the complete swap done, but won't have the Explorer in the drive for another week. I have had the motor out twice over the years, and the last time I put it in, I swore the next time would be a different motor. Time is now. I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.