bought a jumbled mess? v8 swap wont shift

fastang05 · #1 01-08-2013, 08:24 PM

Need some advise or details if anyone is willing. Just bought a 2000 ranger 4 cyl auto with an Explorer 5.0, (this is where it gets interesting) a 4r70w trans but with an 8 pin connector on the transmission (from an f150?)range sensor(INSTEAD OF 12 PIN LIKE EXPLORER), its 2wd and has a 96,97 explorer ecm in it...
Needless to say it wont shift, I get o.s.s. signal and my speedo works but no mph on the scan tool. Also has shift solenoid codes and trans range sensor high code. What is my easiest and best fix? I am dying to drive this since I bought it this way! thanks

sbfmazda · #2 02-18-2013, 12:51 PM

Go with a aod . All that electronic shiz can be a nightmare

fastang05 · #3 02-19-2013, 07:05 AM

I actually got it right, but it was a pain figuring out what I had. and what I needed. But I like an electrical challenge and after new engine harness, new trans harness some cluster

mods and a few wire mods, it is working very well with limited driving so far. Just found out my driveline vibration was the driveshaft yoke is 1.5 " and my trans extention housing was 1.6". Should get the new housing bushing and seal today and then its a driver? I hope anyway lol...

4rdranger · #4 02-19-2013, 07:08 AM

If you dont mind me asking, how lomg dod the swap take?

fastang05 · #5 02-20-2013, 05:31 AM

I did not do the swap myself... I bought the truck with the swap unfinished. it started and moved but would not shift. I had to deal with switching the engine and transmission harnesses and modding some wiring to fix the tach, speedo , speed sensor and ecm inputs. Then found a driveline vibration and fluid leak that required the trans tailshaft to be replaced since they had a 1.5 inch driveshaft in a 1.6 inch tailshaft bushing. Actually just finished that last night. The truck has not been titled since 2006 :rolleyes
Based on what I experienced, mechanically it is fairly straightforward but DEFINATELY use the proper combination for your application. More money spent on the right engine and trans combination now will save you time and money later getting everything to work properly. I see way too many people starting their projects with.... ( "I have this engine lying around will it work with this trans I have from some other vehicle?")if you know what I mean!!