Offroad Projects

Anybody who has the time/knowledge...Could you please explain to me the basics of swapping engines? I believe I will run into a few engine swaps in my lifetime in my never-ending quest for speed. I just want to know basicallythese few questions: 1. How does one begin to research the proper engine for a particular vehicle(let's say the Explorer in this case)? 2. What other parts other than simply the engine would also need to be considered for replacement with the addition of the new engine? 3. What is involved with the actual swap of engines? (And for the sake of argument, let's say that we're swapping in a larger/more powerful engine than the previous one) Please help me out here, if you wanna suggest some books I could pick up...

Alright, heres my story. On saturday I am picking up a Dana 44 for a solid swap, AND Im getting a great deal on it. The dude who i am buying it from also has loads of Dana 60 rear axles. He is selling those for cheap also, and i am thinking of picking up one of those also. My problem is, should i use it/do i need it? It would be kinda nice to have the extra strength in case i need it. I have been back and forth on this topic...sometimes i think, nah...i won't get it...sometimes i think...yeah! im gonna get it!! and then other times i think, i can get it (since it would only be $125)...clean it up...throw in a locker, and turn around to sell it for profit. GRR!! WHAT DO I DO?!?! I've been going round and round and round...

I know its possible, you can do anything with money, but is it possible to change a 2wd to a 4wd? I have the 98 SOHC. I would also be looking into lifting it 4inches with a 3 inch body lift. Would that be possible as well? thanks paco

I know this is just a small conversion, but at the time thats all money will allow, I have a pushbutton tcase, and was wondering, I am pretty sure there would be no problems, if any one had switched to a lever operated case, original ford case, nothing fancy. Any help would be appreciated, and anyone with a case for sale let me know!! Thanks, Marshall

i was just wandering if it would be possible to replace the a4ld tranny with something stronger like the aod trans in a superduty or something, or maybe even a five speed auto. my main reason for considering this is because the a4ld has seemed to be a problem prone transmission. im looking for a tranny that can handle aggresive driving with a little bit more than stock engine.

Has anybody done this conversion. I would like some info before I go out and buy it. I would like to also know what else is needed besides the kit and headlights. How hard is the project and what do I need to do it

http://projectranger.homestead.com/aodswap.html There's 3 pics so far. Hopefully by tomorrow i'll have the rest imported to the page.

http://free.prohosting.com/~v1per/ he has a chitload of detailed pics and info. http://www.harwoodperformance.bizland.com/ this guy has the swap manual availible. Just thought i'd share with you exploder swappers. Later....

Well, I'm pondering the radiator decesion for my 302 conversion project. I had planned on getting a Griffen 4 core aluminumn radiator, but then due to maoney I decided to swap to a regular Mustang GT radiator for $120 new. After trading e-mails with Dogman I'm not sure now. He visited with a mechanic from Fluidyne ( I think ) and said that we needed to consider the heavier wieght of the vehicle and a Mustang GT radiator wasn't big enough. Back to ground zero. Do I spend $300 on the Ultimate Radiator? or will the Mustang Radaiator work or should I look for a Radiator from a Crown Vic type car? Money,Money,Money.....

http://www.homestead.com/nightrangershome/4x4rangers.html Scroll down to "ranger links" and click the headings. just a few pics of the truck and few of the 5.0. Anyways hello to all! So is it alright for me to participate being i don't have a exploder?

I've hit that spot in the project to start thinking more in depth about wiring harness stuff for the 302. There are a couple of ptions that I know about. 1) By a complete " No Brainer " wiring harnes from this one outfit. $600 for the complete set-up. Ready to go, no splicing or tracing needed. 2) Or buy a wiring harness from Ford Racing. This Harness is $200 and you need to hook it into the existing harness. 3) There is a book with very detailed instructions & tips available from Ford Racing and is the same instructions I believe that Kaufman uses in the conversion kit. $5.00 I want the book, but am finding it difficult to obtain. I don't know the title or part number of this book. Kaufman will not sell this...

I may have the opportunity to get my hands on a 1996 5.0 Mustang engine...low milage... Any thoughts on how this would perform in my '96 4x4 Explorer?

want to swap my 6 cylinder in my 94 ford explorer for a powerstroke diesel. How complicated would this be?

Well I have converted my truck from this...... To this...... and now I drive this... Yes, I'm ready to get my truck back!

Whats the price on fiberglass front end panels? They look nice but they do break., Just wondering