how hard is a v-8 swap into a 1997 2wd 4cyl ranger

Check your states emissions standards First you will have to change computers from the Explorer to the Ranger I know the 4.0 V6 5 speeds should bolt right up but the 4 banger 5 speed I would say no and because of the gear ratios get a 5 speed rear end from a 4.0 Ranger or Explorer the engine and sensor hookup may or may not be different You may have to take the wiring harness from the Explorer to replace the one in the Ranger You would be lucky if your explorer already was a 5 speed put engine and tranny in together It would also help if you or a friend has a 1997 Ranger and a 2000 Haynes repair manual also at your local Advance Auto and Auto Zone etc.

you will need everything from the explorer. you probably will have to use the explorer transmission. if you have to pass emissions testing, you may not be able to pass once you do this no matter how clean it blows, because the v8 was never offered in the ranger. look on a ranger or ford specific forums for more detailed answer.

Thanks for the reply, I know it's gonna be involved

You need m50dr2 from 5 speed f150. You need complete harness, gauges, all dash wiring, ecu, complete engine with efi wiring, complete tilt steering collumn, fuel tank with pressure sensor, condenser core, driveshaft, 8.8 rear end (with one extra driver side strut mount bracket) plus djm lowering I beams... and u have to go to the hydraulic shop and have the power steering lines fitted with new ends to match the ranger and ac lines to match the ranger