My 1998 F150 has a 4.2L v6 that needs to be removed and rebuilt. I have just acquired a 4.0L v6 from 1999 Ranger XLT that I would like to put into the F150 so I can be mobile again. How hard is this swap? Anything I need to be specially aware of? I assume I will have to change the ecu and some wire connector plugs to get everything working, I havn't yet measured to see if motor mounts are in the same place or not.

 

I'd make sure they use the same tranny. Not sure if they do. F150 uses the 4R70W if its an auto. If they don't then you would need a tranny from a Ranger as well. The bolt pattern on the bell housing may be different. I know its different with the 4.6 and 5.4 motors compared to the 4.2 and they all use the 4R70W.

 

Thanks, I will be sure to check. everyone had told me that they all bolt up the same. I have a manual trans in my f150, and the ranger had an auto trans that I wasnt planning on moving if I didnt have to.

 

Not gonna' happen without a Ranger 4.0L specific trans as well.

Engine mounts are probably way different as well as the 4.0 is a 60 degree v6 and the 4.2L is a 90 degree v6.

Another 4.2L would be much less sweat.

 

Don't forget about the 4.0 computer control system. This is not a very feasible swap. Too much to change just to get mobile (exhaust, driveshaft, trans, mounts, computers, accessory drives, etc, etc).

 

Sheesh for that amount of work, just go to a local shop and pick yourself up a nice 327 CI engine and a m22 trans... plus you don't have to worry about ECUs, harnesses, etc.

 

it would be a very interesting swap- isnt the 4.0L OHC?

 

'99s are OHV.

 

Sell the Ranger motor for whatever you can get, and put the proceeds toward a reman 4.2 or rebuilding yours.

Much less headaches and time consuming custom fab work for wiring, exahust, motor mounts, etc...

OK, so rebuilding your motor is not a quick solution, but having a 90% complete 4.0 swap that you can't get to run ain't gonna get you to work on time, either.

Another thing to consider is resale value of the truck.
4.2 w/reman or bebuilt engine = hard enough to sell, but worth something.

F150/w shade tree '99 4.0 swap = No buyers.

 

If you plan to swap the 4.2l to a 4.0l you will have a considerable drop in towing capacity. The 4.2l is just as strong as the 4.6l v8. The stroke is very deep in the 4.2l enabling a significant increase in power. The 4.0l will be more fuel effecient and if you plan on not towing then it can be a positive, but if you need to tow some weight I would say you need to invest in another 4.2l. I had a '97 witha 4.2l and it was the best truck I ever had.