Has anybody looked into or tried to install a Ford Escape Hybrid 4 cyl/4x4 into a Ranger? My 1995 4 cyl/4x4 Ranger motor is tired and I can get ahold of a low mileage 2007 Escape Hybrid that was totaled (rear ended and side smashed). The front end of the Escape was not touched.

 

More trouble than it's worth.

You have a 4wd truck that you will be converting to fwd. That means heavy duty frame work in the front.

Just repower with the oem motor and leave the Escape for someone who needs that set up.

 

I seriously doubt the bellhousing bolt pattern is the same between the old SOHC Ford 2.3L and the DOHC 2.3L (AKA DuraTech) in the Escape. Not only that, but I also highly doubt the FWD block will have the correct motor mount bosses for installing into a ranger.
Even if you could find a Duratech based transmission, in 4WD form, you'd still have to overcome the motor mount issue. Then there would be the matter of wiring and batteries to deal with.
A DOHC 2.3L swap is complex enough, even with a complete donor truck to supply the needed parts, but trying to use one from an Escape Hybrid would compound the issues massively.

 

Tempting idea, but practicality wins this one.

 

Have you really looked into the truth about hybrids? The environmental damage they cause, the expense of replacing batteries, etc? I would do a little more research before messing with them. You may find they are not all they are cracked up to be.

 

I was just curious if there was an ambitious individual with lots of time that looked into the issue. I'm just frustrated that Ford stopped making the 4 cyl/4x4 Rangers back in 1997. I use my '95 for winter snow driving conditions and it works great. I was hoping, over the later years, that Ford would make an eco-boost 4 cyl to replace the V-6 and offer the 4x4 package with it. Instead, they discontinue the Ranger in the USA. Arrrrgh!!

 

cut the back end of the escape of and weld the rangers bed to it !

 

CJ06's idea may be worth exploring. I'm not sure about what kind of frame the Escape has. If it is a body-on-frame type vehicle, it may be possible. On the other hand, if the Escape is a unibody vehicle, the task may be too complicated.

Check is the Escape heading. There may be information there.

 

Escape is Unibody, FWD-biased. The engine is installed sideways and uses a FWD transaxle, with a rear-wheel tap for 4WD operation.

Ranger is full-frame, RWD-biased. The engine is installed longitudinally and uses a RWD transmission with a transfer case for 4WD operation.

The engine/powertrain swap would be a nightmare, logistically, financially, and financially.

 

Thanks, Ponyguy. That's what I suspected. Ken_r_mer, it looks like you idea is a great but unworkable.

Sorry 'bout that.

 

Yes, I agree. The right idea but appears to be impractical. I just saw a Flex fuel engine for sale on Craigslist. $1200. Seller thinks it might work in other 2000's Rangers.

 

I say good initiative, just bad judgement (that's me most of the time). I vote no on the idea, but I just wanted to point out that you all are looking at this the wrong way.

The new motor doesn't have to be transverse and the truck won't have to be fwd. The hybrid system doesn't care what the drive wheels are. The only unknown is how exactly the electric system puts power to the wheels, and which wheels it powers. It could be done while still essentially keeping it a Ranger. The gas motor could be used to power the rear (or 4x4) just like the old one, then the electric motor could power whatever you decided you wanted it to power.

I'd still take a diesel over a hybrid any day of the week. My SSgt has a Jetta TDI and sees 50+ on the fwy. That ain't half bad for a Hitlermobile. Just wish Ford would bring the World Ranger diesels here.