SBF Swap
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 432
Likes: 1
From: Amherst, WI
Ford SVT has done three 5.0 swaps starting in '87', mainly as a design study. Sure a lot of managers have engineering backgrounds but how many at corporate level? Management and bean counters surely had their more important say in production or not. The '98-2000' Explorer to Ranger is almost a plug and play. They share the same basic front end, 4x4's being identical. The engine harnesses of each share the same identical 42 pin connector with same functions. Quite a few of the Rangers do not have PAT's as well as the '96-97' Explorers. If there is a PAT's problem, either add the need components from the donor or use a SCT/Viper to tune them out. The complete swap has been done in two weeks. Cost can be kept under $2000. Quite a few has used the complete Explorer drive train, giving them the AWD capability. I know that even the 4 banger Ranger is enough for some, same goes for a V-6 Mustang but they still sell thousands of the way over board GT-500. It's not a need but a want for those who do the swap. People have been swapping larger motors into cars for 70-80 years, it's called "Hot Rodding".
Dave
Dave
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,007
Likes: 5
Arguably, the Ford Management is made up entirely of engineers,
1. Henry Ford, while not technically trained as an engineer certainly had the skills of an engineer and the mind of an engineer, "They can have any color they want as long as it's Black" That's all engineer and no marketing or bean counting.
B. Lee Iacocca, trained as a mechanical engineer, had a MS degree in mechanical engineering.
C. The V8 Ranger is too heavy in the front end, too light in the back end. My own 2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L barely keeps the back end tracking if I get on it around a corner. Anymore would be dangerous on the street in unskilled inexperienced hands.
Thus I'm opposed to the V8 swap. Ford built it right the first time, keep it stock.
Vegas Out!
1. Henry Ford, while not technically trained as an engineer certainly had the skills of an engineer and the mind of an engineer, "They can have any color they want as long as it's Black" That's all engineer and no marketing or bean counting.
B. Lee Iacocca, trained as a mechanical engineer, had a MS degree in mechanical engineering.
C. The V8 Ranger is too heavy in the front end, too light in the back end. My own 2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L barely keeps the back end tracking if I get on it around a corner. Anymore would be dangerous on the street in unskilled inexperienced hands.
Thus I'm opposed to the V8 swap. Ford built it right the first time, keep it stock.
Vegas Out!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Interesting thread - a lot of good discussion and information provided.
I agree with this as a general statement, but I think it ought to be noted that the 4WD engagement systems are different between the trucks. The Explorers of those years use a "constant engagement" system vs. the "pulse vacuum hublock" system found on the Rangers of the same years (not really all that relevant to swapping in a V8, more of an FYI for others who may read through this thread).
The '98-2000' Explorer to Ranger is almost a plug and play. They share the same basic front end, 4x4's being identical.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 432
Likes: 1
From: Amherst, WI
Rangers have a true 4x4 while the Explorers use a AWD system. Several have converted from the AWD to using the selectable 4x4 BW 4406 transfer case found in the Expedition. The added weight is minimal, about the same weight disposition as the 60's muscle cars. Guess I'm kind of used to driving those things, first V-8 mini-truck was a '73; Courier with a 302/C-4 40 years ago. Summer driver is a 575hp Roush Stage 3.
Dave
Dave
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