93 Exploder Engine in a 88 Ranger...
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New User
Joined: Dec 2008
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93 Exploder Engine in a 88 Ranger...
Looking into buying a junked out 93 Exploder with the 4.0 in it to put into my 88 Ranger with the 2.9. Anybody here done this? I am assuming that it would be a pretty easy swap? The Exploder is 4 wheel drive and a stick just like my Ranger. SO I would assume that one could bolt this right up in said truck and be done with it. Am I correct? Thanks! Paul
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Lebanon, OH
Everything pretty much bolts up, but the wiring is the PITA. We have a 96 exploder 4.0 in my friend's 88 ranger. The underhood wiring and dash (with wiring) is from a 91 or 92 explorer. The newer dash took some modifcation to the steering column and how it bolts to the firewall for it to work ok, and also with how the rest of it bolts into the truck. The pedal box is also different. I'm pretty sure you can use the older dash and make it work, but you'd have to do more wiring. We just chose the newer dash because we don't care for wiring, and because we like it more. I'm pretty sure everything works right, including the a/c. There are a few miscellaneous things like the dome light and transfer case wiring to deal with as well. We swapped to a manual t case at the same time.
All in all, I'd say the swap was worth it. The truck runs great. It's just a matter of collecting all the parts and fitting it all together.
-Rob
All in all, I'd say the swap was worth it. The truck runs great. It's just a matter of collecting all the parts and fitting it all together.
-Rob
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Yeah, the 4.0 and 2.9 are the same engine family, it bolts right up. You need the newer computer and wiring harness. Having the whole doner vehicle is a big help, also that there both manual 4x4's. Park them side by side and start swapping over. Having a 4.0 in an 88 will be a big improvement, it will be a fun truck to wheel with the big torque improvement of the 4.0.
