I am looking for some info on the 96 5.0 explorer. Tranny options. Are they may or sd. Do they share the same parts as the Mustang 5.0. I'm looking into doing a 5.0 swap into a 95 ranger. I was told the 96 5.0 has gt40 heads. Looking forward to your help thanks guys.

 

Check out this link, this site has a huge amount of knowledge on the subject. rjcooperss396 V6 to V8 Swap - Ford Explorer and Ranger Forums "Serious Explorations"®

This swap has been done many many times in the ranger/explorer world in a hundred different ways. The Explorer 5.0 has a different front dressing, it has the GT40 intake and heads...basically its a Cobra 5.0 with the only difference being the restrictive factory manifolds and more truck suited cam shaft. the best way to do the swap is find a donor V8 explorer (dirty cheap) running and driving. They only came in fully mechanical AWD or 2wd trim.

I have a parts '97 V8 X out back that i may use to swap into our '84 ranger one day...

 

I read thru a lot of that thread he did a nice job. The try know I want to do this to is down in my signature. 95 2wd 2.3 5 speed. I was thinking about using a mustang motor because I can use a 95 in my 95 and it would be easier for smog and bar inspection. My ultimate goal is to have a 5.0 5 speed with 3.73's and retain my a/c. My truck now does not have cruise so maybe I can find a mustang with it and swap that in with a new tilt column as well. The other reason I wanted to use the Mustang motor is it is built for street performance. My truck can't weight any more than a mustang.