Engine Change
Engine Change
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
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From: Alvin, Texas.
The 5.0 is a drop-in, especially since you have a 4x4!
The 4.6L has plenty of issues, unless you plan on dropping a bare block in between the frame rails--which seems to be about the only way anyone gets a 4.6L into a Ranger--beacsue anyone who tries never gets past the planning stages.
The Lightning Bolt was done, but that was a custom-everything Ranger.
So, good luck on your 5.0L swap.
The 4.6L has plenty of issues, unless you plan on dropping a bare block in between the frame rails--which seems to be about the only way anyone gets a 4.6L into a Ranger--beacsue anyone who tries never gets past the planning stages.
The Lightning Bolt was done, but that was a custom-everything Ranger.
So, good luck on your 5.0L swap.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 219
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From: chino valley az
i believe the 4.0 uses the same bellhousin as the 2.9 and 2.8, but not the 5.0. it was a small bellhousin pattern. and as for the sohc motor, nothing but the 4.0 fit. it has an even goofier bellhousing..
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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So as I understand it, the bellhousing for 4.0 will not fit the 5.0. Correct? What kind of nightmare would it be to change out the bellhousing?Does everything else fit right in? IE., will a 5.0 slide right into the Ranger's engine compartment?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 219
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From: chino valley az
better off change the trans and tcase. i have yet to see an adaptor for the 99's. and they have yet to make one for the autos. the 5.0 will slide in correct, but the exhaust is tricky. either run the early v8 maverick manifolds, the stock 5.0 explorer manifolds, or swallow bite your tongue and buy a set of those over priced conversion headers.. sorry the 4.0 ohv does use the same bell housing as all ford 60' v6s, the sohc motor uses a goofey one engine only bellhousing. Kurt
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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So if I hear all you guys correctly, unless you know what the heck you are doing, you would be well-advised to have a good engine builder/machinist do the work. Sounds like quite an undertaking to put a 5.0 in a Ranger 4x4 4.0 engine compartment. But I bet it would be a snappy and reliable rascal...don't ya suppose?
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Senior User
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From: chino valley az
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Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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it would be easier to supercharge. far as a auto, a C4 with a C5 bell house will bolt up. to get a 5.0 in you will have to remove the radiator which will have to be replaced with a 4 row along with a electric fan, mechaical fan doesnt give good clearence. mounts will have to be changed. A rear end out of a 87-93 5.0 mustang or 5.0 explorer should be used. only certain headers could be used. then all the wiring.
Last edited by 1979_F100_302; Dec 9, 2003 at 11:42 AM.