Fullsize drivetrain or body swap?

[geoph1986]

So I have my X, with 339,000km on it that is completely stock, and leaking almost every fluid (except coolant...thanx JB Weld). As of late I also have a lot of time on my hands to ponder and dream. I have read and read and then I've read some more, on doing v8 swaps. Then I came across a site and this guy had put a full size drive train (motor, transmission, and TC) in his Ranger. The TC was a NP205, and a manual trans, and he had done a bit of a write up on it. Now I can't find the site where I saw this (I should have bookmarked it).

Then I got thinking again...instead of swapping the drive train, what about swapping the bodies? Then I would have the axles and everything. From what I have read my X has a 119.9in wheelbase and an early to late 90's F150 regular cab, short box has a wheelbase of 116.8in.

One thing I have noticed is that no one has info on how hard it is to service the V8 once it has been swapped in (eg: are all spark plugs easily accessible?).

Has anyone done either of these swaps? What is involved in each? I'm looking for a thread that has info as well as tons of pictures. I may or may not attempt to do either swap, so I am looking only for info at this point.

Any and all remarks regarding this are welcome.

 

[RangerX]

More than a few people have swapped in V8s.
I can only think of one guy that swapped an Explorer body onto a F250 - Arsoul. I like how that came out, search around and you'll find his thread.

 

[seth247]

I know I saw a explorer body on a bronco frame once.

Or was it the other way around...?

 

[geoph1986]

I know that quite a few people have swapped in V8's. I have read and read and searched and searched, but it seems that the more I read about it, the more questions I have. I know about the oil filter relocation, bending the seam at the firewall back, etc. My questions are all about getting the main vomponants into place.

I've read that you can use convertible mustang mounts, fox mounts, or 1/4" plate adapters to use my stock 4.0l mounts. It seems that it would be easier to 1/4" plate. If I were to do that, how/where would the motor sit in the engine bay?

I want an auto transmission and I don't want to use an adapter to connect the transmission and TC, I want to use a full size TC. Everything I read says to "let the transmission locate the motor". How is this done?

What full size TC fits between the frame without notching?

Another thing, if I use a motor out of a mustang or another car (I read that an F150 intake wont fit under the hood), what transmission do I use? What years? Does the ECU control the transmission in this swap? If it does, how would a 2wd computer know when to shift a 4wd trans? Would the F150 manifold fit if I had a body lift? Do I have to relocate the transmission cross member? Is there an plate type adapter that can be used like the motor mounts?

What would be my best donor vehicle to obtain this swap? A 1990's full size Bronco? F150?

There has to be a thread somewhere that someone has fully documented what they have done to achieve this swap.

I am so confused, and the more I read the more confused I get. I wish I could find a step by step swap thread.

Also, what about an F150 chassis (reg. cab, short box, 116.8in wheelbase) under the X body...anyone done that? The X wheelbase is only 3in longer than the F150...It seems like the biggest problem would be the body mounts in the bed area.

Any info on any of this is appreciated.

 

[tigercat]

I am so confused, and the more I read the more confused I get.

so am i

 

[seth247]

ok im gonna Try and answer these one at a time and keep it in order.

Yes many motor mounts will work. The easiestis the 1/4" plate method that uses stock v6 mounts.
If I had looked at my ex and realized how easy it was I wouldn't have bought fox body mounts. As to were the engine will sit... It all depends on were you drill the holes in the plate. Kindof a custom fit thing.

Tcase: bw1356. It will fit. See wickedwindsor's swap. Or a 4406 might fit but will be harder to adapt wiring on the eshift versions.

The only easy drivetrain that would make this swap worth it to me is a 96-01 explored v8.

Has the most power of all the 5.0 platforms. And has a state of the art, brick ****house tough auto trans. The 4r70w.

 

[geoph1986]

The only easy drivetrain that would make this swap worth it to me is a 96-01 explored v8.

Then I would have to convert to OBDII wiring...How hard is that?

 

[seth247]

Well no matter what engine you get you'll have to swap in the entire engine harness and computer. Save for going carb.

It shouldn't be hard. The harness for the exploder engines is well done. Everything you'll have to splice into the truck wiring is conveniently bundled into one connector. Has something like 30 wires in it. Some of which you won't use. And will have to tuned out.

A tune is a must.

 

[geoph1986]

I know pretty much all the stuff needed for the swap, I just need some very detailed guidance on the nuts and bolts of the project. I am very mechanically inclined, but have never done an engine conversion before.

 

[seth247]

don't let it psych you out. It seems like a major feat but it's really just turning wrenches and patience.

Before I began my swap I hadn't so much as replaced an intake gasket.

Only "major" engine parts I've worked on would be helping my dad with my old mustang. (by helping I mean standing around holding the flashlight or bringing him tools. He's like me. Wants to take charge of the project. I keep having to fight him off my engine!)

I had also replaced the PS pump on my 4.0 andchanged belts, filters, oil changes, stuff like that.

But now I've torn the engine completely down and have no doubts as to my skill when the time comes to drop it in.

Once I get off work tonight I'll try and find you some of the concrete info I've used.

 

[geoph1986]

Once I get off work tonight I'll try and find you some of the concrete info I've used.

That would be awesome, thanx.

 

[seth247]

410fortune's bronco 2 swap thread.
410 fortune - 5.0L EFI 4R70W drivertrain conversion

My swap thread. not finished. filled with off topic nonsense here and there
Matt's '92/'99 4X4 V8/4R70W swap!

Here is a link to James Duff's swap info page. they also sell many of the parts needed to convert.
Ford Bronco Parts, Classic Early Broncos 4x4 Suspension Systems, Engine performance accessories

here is a PDF with some AA part numbers and info. keep in mind this isnt the gospel. alot of the info you will find is for rangers and bronco 2s. which are very similar but a little different so take everything with a grain of salt and remember every swap is different.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/pdf_documents/RangerV8Conversion.pdf

Here is some of the same info plus some more. this is the FAQ that AA used to have on there site but i cant seem to find it now that they re-worked everthing.
Ford Ranger Tech (2019-2020) – The Ranger Station

Here is the rangerstation's info page. like i say not all info is correct. for instance this page will say you HAVE to replace the radiator. i think this is wrong, from what i have read the 4.0 radiator will be sufficient. the rangers had a smaller radiator, hence why this site says it has to go.
Ford Ranger Tech (2019-2020) – The Ranger Station

When i am finished with my swap, and i manage to pry myself away from driving it, i plan to consolidate all this info into a bigger write-up with each individual subject(motor mounts, oil pan, radiator, ETC...) broken into its own chapter and organized. and tailored specifically toward explorers. and including pictures. neither AA nor james duff or anybody can actually provide pictures of how there products are used in the swap and its annoying so i will take lots of pics for an easier understanding of the obstacles.

like glacier did with his trans rebuild threads.