1996 Ranger 2wd 5.0 Build

Topdog2007 · #1 03-22-2010, 05:53 AM

I am new to FRF and this is a brief view of what I have been doing for the last year....I am very close to being done and I will post pictures as I finish up the build...and videos once its started and rolling!

The day I bought my project

Rangers Ruined interior

My Donor 1997 Mountaineer

5.0 ready to install!

Full medium Graphite interior swap from a 2002 Explorer!

My truck about 2 months ago(this is an ongoing SLOOOW build)

I am in the final stages of finishing the engine install

Just test fitting some 20" Kmc stealth wheels I bought 2 weeks ago.

Topdog2007 · #2 03-22-2010, 05:57 AM

Here is a quick run down of the Vehicle Modifications
Truck Specs: 1996 Ranger 5.0 Mountaineer swap

Tires/Wheels: 17" Kmc Stealth & 20"

Engine Mods: Trick Flow Upper/Lower, 24lb Python Injectors, Pro M 24lb Maf, Trick Flow Valve Covers

Suspension Mods: Lakewood Traction Bars, Djm Ibeams, Explorer 8.8 Rear

Exterior Mods: Mountaineer Bumper, Clear Corners, Smoked Rear Lights,
5% Tint all around, 8,000k HID lights, Led bulbs all around,

Interior Mods: 2002 Explorer Leather Seats, 2001 Ranger Dash, 2002 Explorer Console, Custom
Carpet, New Headliner and Explorer Cluster

Audio/Video Mods: Eclipse 7" DVD Head Unit, 4-6.5" Kicker speakers, 2 Kicker 8" Competition Subs, Jbl Tweeters and 2-Jbl 600 Watt Amplifiers

TS6034 · #3 03-22-2010, 09:13 AM

Nice truck! I like the valve covers.

Topdog2007 · #4 03-22-2010, 11:10 AM

Thanks ...the intake is matched also..Just have to get to that point and install it.

00bamaranger · #5 03-22-2010, 03:57 PM

very nice man, im going to start on my 5.0 swap as soon as funds will allow

Topdog2007 · #6 03-22-2010, 05:31 PM

You will never be prepared in terms of funding..LOL I saved and bought parts for 6 Months or so and thought I was ready... 1 year + and I am still buying unexpected things ALL THE TIME...nearly everyday I get to work on it.

00bamaranger · #7 03-22-2010, 05:47 PM

yeah thats what im afraid of

Topdog2007 · #8 03-22-2010, 06:17 PM

I looking for to the end result making up for all the hassel, headaches and costs. The little 2-10 dollar parts are what eat you up. If I can be of any help let me know. I have a more detailed thread on Ranger-Forums if it helps.

00bamaranger · #9 03-22-2010, 10:45 PM

thanks man, im not sure when im going to be able to start on it though, every time i save up most of the money im going to need to do it something always happens and i have to spend it on other things and now its hard to save any money because college is expensive

Tom · #10 03-22-2010, 11:27 PM

Wow it's amazing how much that truck has transformed into what it is today, especially looking at the gutted interior versus the leather seat setup. Nicely done!

aaron_ariens · #11 03-23-2010, 12:07 AM

Truck is looking really really good!

Topdog2007 · #12 03-23-2010, 06:05 AM

Thanks..its been alot of hard work..I have probably invested 150 hours or more working on it...still got another 40 or so i would guess. I need a Radiator, Fuel lines, Wire up my fans, Make the Exhaust, Paint the bumper and a few other things to do and I will be done.

Topdog2007 · #13 03-27-2010, 07:19 PM

I havent had alot to update on until today. I finally got a 3 row Radiator installed, installed the Transmission cooler, I hand bent custom fuel lines coming off the fuel rails, Wired up the Transmission, Painted the Front and rear Bumper to match, installed my smoked tail lights and third brake light. Below are a few pictures...

rangerous · #14 04-05-2010, 04:44 PM

Hey, obviously im new to this forum...but NICE truck dude. I had a 2001 ranger flareside and a 94 short bed, but i've sold them, and am looking to drop the 5.0 in one now. The only problem is that i need the truck and the parts. This looks like a legit forum, so i'll look and browse for a bit.

Anyway, how much does the whole v8 motor/trans swap going to cost in the end. I have money, just no time. And I want to see if (money wise) this is something to really get myself into. (and i really want to) I've wanted a v8 ranger since i was 17 and first heard of the thunderbolt, when i had my 94. Also, what year car did you get the motor from? and trans? i want to make sure i look up plenty of detail. I run a bodyshop, so engine and mechanics isnt my thing, so i need all the help i can get. (my cousins do mechanical work, but i want real info, from ranger enthusiast!)

Topdog2007 · #15 04-06-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangerous

Hey, obviously im new to this forum...but NICE truck dude. I had a 2001 ranger flareside and a 94 short bed, but i've sold them, and am looking to drop the 5.0 in one now. The only problem is that i need the truck and the parts. This looks like a legit forum, so i'll look and browse for a bit.

Anyway, how much does the whole v8 motor/trans swap going to cost in the end. I have money, just no time. And I want to see if (money wise) this is something to really get myself into. (and i really want to) I've wanted a v8 ranger since i was 17 and first heard of the thunderbolt, when i had my 94. Also, what year car did you get the motor from? and trans? i want to make sure i look up plenty of detail. I run a bodyshop, so engine and mechanics isnt my thing, so i need all the help i can get. (my cousins do mechanical work, but i want real info, from ranger enthusiast!)

I am still spending Money as I go....so far I have about $7,800 in my swap...which I think is cheap considering I will have basically a new Ranger minus a paint job. Its best to swap an engine from the same year Explorer/Mountaineer or a very close year model. Its an easier swap into the 98+ Rangers so i have heard. I have a 97 Mountaineer drivetrain, I bought the entire vehicle which will save you tons of time and money...then in the end you can scrap the remains for a little cash back! I am not much of a mechanic either I had a good friend help me with the major things like the Engine & Trans install and I have done the rest in my spare time. I did lots of research and I still am learning new stuff everyday I work on it. Good luck and let me know if I can help any.