Rangers and Explorers

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Mar 11, 2001 | 08:33 PM

cbwarrior

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Rangers and Explorers

I've been noticing a few threads here and there that refer to the similarities of these two vehicles, and I have started wondering about my project truck. Just how similar are these two, and if they are so similar, then how come everyone makes the V8 swap sound so complicated, since the Explorer came with a 5.0L? Why couldn't a person just use the mounts and other parts from an Explorer. That would make the whole thing a lot easier and cheaper since there are these vehicles in junkyards, etc.

88 F-150 4X4 w/5.0 EFI 5 spd
86 Ranger 2WD w/2.3L EFI 5 spd to be 351W 4bbl C4

Mar 11, 2001 | 11:12 PM

chruby99

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Rangers and Explorers

The Exlorer was deisgned on the ranger frame. Most Explorer parts Drivetrain and such are take off of the Ranger. The body is a little wider so you cant swap fenders and such. Hood yes Interior trim. The suspension is Ranger take off. On the newer models 95+ they offer a v-8 but it is a AWD version which is not as good as 4X4 off road. Take out 5.0 swaps are Totally possible on 95+.

Mar 11, 2001 | 11:17 PM

chruby99

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Rangers and Explorers

On your project a 351 will not fit without modification 302's just fit in there. I have not heard of anyone fitting a 351 into a ranger or explorer they are to wide and connot fit exhaust manifolds

Jul 1, 2001 | 11:04 PM

pacodiablo

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Rangers and Explorers

Sep 9, 2001 | 12:26 PM

fauxexplorer

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From: peekskill'ny

Rangers and Explorers

not true the 351 is doable,kits abound,and many do it with out kits.if your good with a drill and wrench you can do it too,oh don't forget determination,the most important aspect,besides cost.

Sep 12, 2001 | 05:02 PM

cbwarrior

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Rangers and Explorers

So, on the 95+ years, how many of those parts would fit the 86 models in this swap? Radiator, mounts, etc.?

88 F-150 4X4 XLT Lariat w/5.0 EFI 5 spd (DAILY DRIVER)
86 Ranger 2WD w/2.3L EFI 5 spd to be 351W 4bbl C4 (NEW TOY- DETAILS WHEN FINISHED)
85 Old Cutlass Supreme 350/TH350 Holley 4160,Edelbrock Performer intake, el-cheapo headers, General Kinetics 270H series cam, 15.588 best 1/4 mile with original 10 bolt 2.41 gears (OLD TOY)

Sep 12, 2001 | 07:36 PM

fauxexplorer

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From: peekskill'ny

Rangers and Explorers

swap kits abound.do a v8 ranger search their kits fit all explorers of all years,with all windsor motors

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Sep 14, 2001 | 09:10 PM

cbwarrior

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Rangers and Explorers

The thing is, is that I'm trying to do this with as little $ as possible, so if it was possible to buy parts cheaper at Auto Zone or other discount parts stores, I'd like to. I'd also like to check out the stuff at boneyards, like radiators,driveshafts, etc. I like the idea of the kits, but I can't really afford the cost of specialty items from the aftermarket. I will if I absolutely have to, but I prefer not to.

88 F-150 4X4 XLT Lariat w/5.0 EFI 5 spd (DAILY DRIVER)
86 Ranger 2WD w/2.3L EFI 5 spd to be 351W 4bbl C4 (NEW TOY- DETAILS WHEN FINISHED)
85 Old Cutlass Supreme 350/TH350 Holley 4160,Edelbrock Performer intake, el-cheapo headers, General Kinetics 270H series cam, 15.588 best 1/4 mile with original 10 bolt 2.41 gears (OLD TOY)