Can a 97 model 4.0 be dropped into my 96 Ranger with a bad 4.0 now?
Or I should say Can my 96 model 4.0 be replaced with a 97 model 4.0 Both are OHV engines. Any major differences? I am after the 8 hole crank on the 97 to fix repeating flex plate breaking in the 96. Its got over 320,000 on the engine. Will a crank shaft for a 97 4.0 bolt into a 96 block?

http://www.therangerstation.com/how-...0l-pushrod-v6/

Best bit of information you will find for the most part, at least until you follow the leads it offers. 96 to 97 you should be fine. Both are OBD II (a) and prior to 98 OBD II (b). Only thing I think you'd have to do is swap the heads to the better block. The crank journals could be remachined but your talking more work more cost. I'd either swap the working engine into the truck or find your solution to the flex plate issues.

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