Off-Roading

1999 Ford Ranger Engine Swap From a Ford Explorer 5.0L V8

Automotive, Off-Roading, Projects /

For many car enthusiasts, tinkering with cars is a passion that never fades away. Whether it’s a small upgrade or a full custom build, there’s always something new to learn and improve upon. For me, I stepped away from the custom automotive scene several years ago, but am getting back into it again. In this project, we’ll be diving into a popular engine swap involving a 302 5.0L V8 from a Ford Explorer into a Ford Ranger. Despite these types of swaps being done for over a couple decades now, it can be difficult to find complete information on the subject. There’s also several variables between different years of these vehicles, but unfortunately some contradicting information online too. I’ll attempt to document my swap in as much detail as possible in this post and update as progress continues as it pertains to a 1999 Ford Ranger 3.0L V6 extended cab getting a 5.0L V8 from a 2001 Ford Explorer. Why the Swap? This one pretty much comes down to more power. I’ve put some 33″ all-terrain tires with later plans of going with larger tires on the Ranger. The intent was to use it around our property, but also make it street legal for occasional pavement use. With the engine shot, and knowing the factory 3.0L V6 is more than a bit underwhelming in the horsepower department (152hp) to say the least, I decided to look for a Ford Explorer with the 5.0L V8 as a donor. The 5.0L V8 from the Explorer has around 215hp isn’t much more than the 4.0L V6 that was also an option on the Ranger at 207hp. The 5.0L V8 does appear to have more aftermarket options for getting more horsepower though. Parts Needed It’s highly recommended to get a full donor vehicle to perform this swap. These are the primary components you’ll need from the Explorer to perform the swap: The Build Vehicle This is the build vehicle, a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab 4×4 with the lackluster 3.0L V6. Vehicle 1999 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab Engine 3.0L V6 (Blown Head Gasket) Transmission 5-Speed Manual Drivetrain 4WD Mileage 145,XXX The Donor From my initial research, the ideal Explorer engine for a 1999-2000 Ford Ranger would be a 1998-2001 Ford Explorer. 1998 Ranger’s do not have the Passive Anti Theft System (PATS), more on that later. This year range of Ranger and Explorer are supposed to be one of the most “plug and play” swaps, I’ll see how that goes. This is certainly a higher mileage donor, but I believe it may have been rebuilt at some point. My goal for this project is to just get things running. I may look at getting another engine to rebuild later. Vehicle 2001 Ford Explorer XLT Engine 5.0L V8 – 302 Transmission Automatic Drivetrain AWD Mileage 177,XXX The Ranger V8 Swap Process (High Level Overview) The engine swap process can be a bit daunting, requiring a lot of patience, hard work, and knowledge. Here’s a high level look at the work required. From initial research I’ve done, these should be the steps required (I’ll update this section if needed as I work through this project). Pulling the Engines To make it easier to pull the engine, transmission, and transfer case from the Ranger while keeping them bolted together, I ended up using a spot welder cutting tool to remove the front radiator core support. More pics to follow on this. On the Explorer, I opted to cut out the entire inner support for the fenders as well. Disconnecting Lines/Harnesses – Label, Document, Take Pictures To remove the engines, several wiring harnesses, hoses, and other lines need to be disconnected. I took several pictures and labeled items that were disconnected. It might be weeks before I get a chance to get everything together, and I wanted to eliminate any future guess work. Quick Connect Lines There’s a few quick connect lines that need to be disconnected including A/C lines and a fuel line. The fuel line on the Explorer had a decent amount of corrosion and took me a while to remove. I bought this Master Quick Disconnect Tool Set off of Amazon. I went through multiple rounds of lubricant spray and let it soak over night. Going between the plastic disconnects and metal, I eventually tried using a pair of pliers to force the tool in, and eventually it went. Motor Mounts I’m currently working on swapping the 5.0L motor mounts over to the Ranger. The driver-side mounts have the bolts positioned differently. I’ve read where some people have re-used the Ranger mounts and re-drilled or “slotted” the holes in the motor bracket to acomodate. I wanted to make sure things were properly aligned, so I’ll be swapping the 5.0L V8 mounts over. Unfortunately, Ford’s design for mounting these does not make it easy to unbolt, and this is where I’m at right now. Note: I’m not sure if the 4.0L V6 or if the 2.5L 4-cylinder have different mounts or if they might be the same as the 3.0L V6 Ranger or 5.0L V8 Explorer. What’s Next? Once the motor mounts are squared away, I’ll be ready to drop the engine, transmission, and transfer case into the Ranger. Once that is done, it will be time to start getting everything wired back up and various lines connected. Ford Ranger V8 Swap FAQ

Hummer HX – No, It’s NOT The Upcoming Hummer EV

Automotive, Off-Roading /
Hummer HX

The Hummer HX first debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.  By 2010 the Hummer brand was in a dire financial situation.  GM decided to shut it down along with some of it’s other brands such as Pontiac and Saturn.  It seemed GM was on the brink of entering the HX into production when their financials were starting to look dismal.  Many believe the Hummer HX could have saved the brand.  My worry was that they would drastically change the production version into something far less appealing.  Now we’ll never know. There’s a few videos on YouTube and articles claiming this is the new Hummer EV that was announced during the Super Bowl. But this isn’t it. It would be great to see the Hummer HX resurrected, but there’s no indication that GM has plans to do so. The new Hummer EV is built on a full-size platform, certainly not the size of Jeep Wrangler frame. A small fleet of Hummer HX’s were used in the Transformers 2 movie.  Unfortunately it didn’t see much life beyond that.  US Specialty Vehicles – Converted Jeep to Hummer HX There’s another company called US Specialty Vehicles that offers hope of owning an HX inspired vehicle. They convert Jeep Wranglers into what they call Rhino XT’s. Ordering one of these will set you back on finances a bit. The starting price is around $85K. A Hellcat version will top off around $157K. While it has several similar features to the HX, certain elements are clearly different. Especially the lack of a trademark vertical bar Hummer grill up front. Bureko H2X This is a body kit conversion for the Hummer H2.  The kit is based on the body styling of the Hummer HX Concept Vehicle.  A small fleet of Hummer HX’s were used in the Transformers 2 movie.  Unfortunately it didn’t see much life beyond that.  The H2 platform actually pushes this body kit into a larger vehicle.  The original concept vehicle was smaller than the H3, and subsequently the H2.  It was a actually similarly sized to the Jeep Wrangler. Update:  It appears Bureko no longer makes the body kit and has focused their efforts on building 6×6 vehicles.  You can check out Bureko’s website at bureko.cz. MEV Hummer HX If you happen to be looking for a smaller version of the Hummer HX, there are a couple options available from a company called MEV (My Electric Vehicle). MEV licensed the rights to use the Hummer HX from GM and they’re mini HX electric vehicle is still available today. Two variants are available, the HX (hard top), or he HX T (topless). The proportions clearly aren’t a true scale down of the original. Rather, it’s been modified to fit adult passengers. The modified proportions remind me a bit of a caricature drawing. This is fairly similar to Power Wheels adaptations for the overall design. I have no idea if these are street legal anywhere, I imagine they’re more commonly used in small communities that have roadways designated for golf carts. Our small town now allows registered vehicles such as ATV’s and UTV’s for use on roadways that are 35mph speed limits or less. Some larger retirement communities are similar as well. Going Even Smaller I don’t believe any of these are still in production, although there are various die-casts and radio controlled versions of the HX produced. Many of these can still be found on sites such as eBay and Amazon, among others. More Posts on Fabville! Refreshed Hummers by Mil-Spec!

Refreshed Hummers by Mil-Spec Automotive!

Automotive, Off-Roading /

Refreshed Hummers are here! Mil-Spec is company that takes classic Hummer’s built in the 90’s and rebuilds them from the frame up. They receive new Duramax Diesel engines, updated interiors, led lighting, modern technology mixed in, and a refinish of the exterior. This update is reminiscent of the modern touch being applied to older muscle cars of late, known as pro-touring or restomod.

Sherp: All Terrain, Go Just About Anywhere Vehicle

Off-Roading /

The Sherp line of off-road vehicles. Their line of vehicles are designed to function in extreme conditions. A very unique design, it can handle snow, ice, and forge over water. Sherp has a diverse user base. Geologists, oil workers, fishers, hunters, thrill-seekers, and discovered.

Audi AI Trail Quattro i – Audi Off-Road Concept

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Off-Roading /
audi ai trail off-road concept vehicle

This is the Audi AI Trail Quattro. It represents Audi’s take on what the future of recreational, all terrain vehicles will be. But how far into the future? It’s a cool, interesting design, but almost certainly another over the top concept that won’t see production. At least nowhere near it’s current design form. The AI Trail was one of four concept vehicles in which Audi had on display at the IAA 2019 Show. More on the Audi Off-Road Concept Here’s a video from the YouTube Channel Supercar Blondie. Some of the unique features she points out are: Removal rear hammock seats that you can attach to trees to use outdoors once you arrive to your destination. Water bottles mounted in the door panels Great analogy about how the front is very similar to a helicopter cockpit Audi is apparently looking to a subscription model for their vehicles in the future where they have vehicles that are quite purpose intent. Such as the AI Trail intended for the trail and the AI Race designed for the track. No more multi-purpose. the removal rear hammock chairs that you can attach to trees to use outdoors once you arrive to your destination. You can learn more about the Audi Off-Road Concept, the AI Trail Quattro i through this release on the Audi Media Center website: https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/the-off-roader-of-the-future-the-audi-aitrail-quattro-12026

Rivian Tank Turn – Introducing the 360 Degree Spin!

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Off-Roading, Rivian /

Rivian shows off their “tank turn” capability on their all-electric R1T pickup truck. The quadmotor system allows independent control of each wheel. Very similar to a tank that can put one set of tracks into reverse, the other set forward, to help control turning, the Rivian R1T is able to perform a true on a dime turn, although not sure how much control you have with it or if part of it is based on a loose surface.