Thinkin' about doin' another engine swap.

[RangerPilot]

Well...I did the 302/T-5 swap in the Ranger (from a 4.0L/M5OD) and anways enjoyed the results, as well as the work that went into it.

I've got the 4.0L SOHC in my Exploder that will eventually have the cam issues (when, not if).

Sitting in my physics lab today watching a movie, I was wondering whether it would be possible to swap a 4.6L into a 2nd generation Exploder. The 302 swap into the Ranger was a cakewalk since so many Exploder parts transferred over, so I was wondering if any newer Explorer parts would transfer into the old Explorer to make the swap possible.

I thought I've also read the 4.6L shares the same physical dimensions with the 5.4L, which could open up an entire new realm of possibilities.

So, anyone have input? Anyone know of previous attempts or swaps?

 

[godblessmud]

4.6-5.4 should be a straight over swap..it is in SN95 body style mustangs at least
Your biggest issue will be if the tranny changed at all and i dont know if it did in the exploder (now is the time to switch to a 5 speed my friend)

 

[john112deere]

Err.....somewhere in my forum searching experience, I saw a guy who swapped the 4.6 and auto tranny from a Lincoln Mark VIII into a '98-ish Ranger (which should be the same as your Ex, more or less). Durned if I can remember what forum it was though. (The truck was white, if that helps...)

I don't think it was as easy as the 302 in a Ranger is supposed to be, but he did it.

 

[RangerPilot]

Err.....somewhere in my forum searching experience, I saw a guy who swapped the 4.6 and auto tranny from a Lincoln Mark VIII into a '98-ish Ranger (which should be the same as your Ex, more or less).

I think I've seen that same thing...though I can't find it now either.

Scott I know the tranny will have to be swapped as well (I've got the 5R55E, which I think may well get tanked by anything bigger than the 4.0L).

But the 5.4L is the same physical dimensions, correct? So if I'm gonna go 4.6...might as welllll...

 

[godblessmud]

Yes, the 5.4 is just the 4.6 with bigger bore i beleive

 

[Brian_B]

That guy that swapped a DOHC 4.6 from a lincoln into a ranger was on several forums. Mostly ranger and explorer.

That engine is wide!!!!

He had to cut out most of the inner fenderwells and do some creative engineering with the steering. It worked, but looked really weird.

If you really want a link to the swap...I might know where a link is (assuming it is still where I last read it). Will take some searching time.

 

[godblessmud]

I vote do a 4bbt cummins swap!

 

[Brian_B]

I can find almost anything ranger/explorer related given some time.

Ask and ye shall receive:

His website:

http://281ranger.homestead.com/

His Ranger power sports thread:

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142933

4.6 DOHC engine dimensions (ford racing):

http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/charts/151.pdf

What else can I help with?

 

[RangerPilot]

I vote do a 4bbt cummins swap!

lmao, that would be a fun ride.

Hey Brian, thanks for the info, but I think I'd stick with the SOHC version of the 4.6L or 5.4L, mainly because it's smaller, and what comes in the current Explorer.

Now, if you could find dimensions for the 4.6/5.4L SOHC and 4.0L SOHC, I'd be much obliged. Maybe somebody's stuck one in a newer Ranger, since I assume the two still share a common frame?

 

[Brian_B]

Are the 4.6 and 5.4 listed on the ford racing site the SOHC ones or the OHV?

There is a 97-04 4.0 listed there. No clue which one it is either.

When you move beyond 01 in the explorers (3rd gen is 02+) I have no clue what comes in them. I do not really want one with the IRS, hence I own an 01. 02+ looks to close to the ground for me.

 

[RangerPilot]

I'll be sticking with the '98.

The 4.0L SOHC (241 CI) became available in '97, and is still available now. That must be the 97-04 they list, though I'm not sure why it stops at '04.

I don't think there was ever an OHV 4.6L/5.4L. According to Wikipedia (I know...I know), the 4.6L debuted in 1991 as a SOHC engine. Introduced in the Explorer in 2002. The 3-valve went into the Explorer in '06 according to Wiki.

Does the 3-valve has the same physical size as the 2-valve (in both 4.6L and 5.4L guises)?

Thank you guys for all the help.