Mercury Mountaineer swap ?

[FordBronc]

Ok so I have a lead on a cheap but complete 1999 Mercury Mountaineer with a 5.0/302 V8 to do a EFI motor swap into my 71.

Is it worth it? Are the electronics fairly easy to get lined out? I understand that the Explorer motor can be difficult to get out for that swap. I can cut the front clip off on this one.

Transmission? Will the block bolt to my existing C-4?

Suggestions, thoughts, input, opinions.

 

[Jedeka]

I just pulled a 2000 Mountaineer into my shop. I want to get it running, before I remove the engine and put it in my 74. Yes, I have heard they can be tough to remove, but like you, I am going to be cutting it apart to get better access. Look up EFI Guy on here and you will find all kinds of good info. Do not cut up any of the wiring harness during engine removal. I am going with a manual transmission, but your C4 will bolt up, but you need a different flex plate, since the later model 5.0 use a 50 oz balance weight vs the 28 oz that your original engine has.

 

[FordBronc]

Awesome info, and very much appreciated. I will continue to web research, but actual user info is the best IMO. I have been reading a ton of EFI Guy's threads.

 

[Timmy390]

The Explorer/Mountaineer trans is considered an upgrade to the C4.....Might consider swapping it in.

Tim

 

[FordBronc]

Does it require a expensive adapter to get the Dana 20 to bolt to it or am I swapping in the xfer case too?

 

[Timmy390]

Adapter and twin sticks are needed per my understanding as is with 99.99% of the trans swaps. Most feel it's well worth it. I'm not sure what all is in the kit. My guess is adapter plate and crossmember.

I run a stick and will be doing a trans swap to an M5ODR2 this winter.

Tim

 

[904Bronco]

4R70W -

There are two kits available from AA, one is for the all wheel drive version and is for the 2wd version of the tranny. If you have to go into the all-wheel drive tranny, get the 2wd kit and change the output shaft. The 4wd version has a spacer ring which increases the overall length of the trans another 1.75" in addition to the 1.5" length.

Yes you will spend $700-800 for those kits. You have to modify the factory crossmember and modify/make your own frame L-brackets as the trans sits back 1.5" than the C4.

T-shift D20 works fine, you will have to move the shifter hole in the body back 1.5". Doing twin sticks seems like a natural progression... J-shift requires more mods to make work.

No the all-wheel drive Mountaineer T-case is a one speed = Junk

There is more but these are high points...

 

[71 CA Bronco]

What I did:
EFI Guy harness mod
BC Bronco crossmember (still needed to use a spacer and a truck mid housing they are taller)
Atlas transfer case (after trimming the output shaft it bolts right on).
4R70W trans (highly recommended). I re-gear my axles to 4.88s with 35s. I could have gone to 5.10s I typically turn the OD off around town.
Wild Horses Ron Davis explorer/bronco radiator.
Tom Woods drive shafts. Longer in front shorter in back.
New Exhaust

These are the big ticket items.

 

[DirtDonk]

Love my 4R70W! Fantastic transmission.
Even thought the C4 would be the easiest I think, and a good trans in the Bronco, the new one is still well worth considering.

Paul

 

[jmhend]

Love my 4R70W! Fantastic transmission.
Even thought the C4 would be the easiest I think, and a good trans in the Bronco, the new one is still well worth considering.

Paul

Paul,

Absolutely agree.

The main thing to consider is the individuals driving style and intentions. Also gear properly and have the right tire combo otherwise you may never be able to fully utilize all 4 gears.

Jason

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

I've pulled three of the Explorer/Mountaineer 5.0s and as long as you remove the radiator, front dress, and fan, it comes out fairly easily. The first one we pulled with the fan on and had to cut the front. Mangled the fan. Buying the fan clutch tools is a huge help. Discovered with the last one how much easier it comes out if you unbolt the exhaust manifolds. Good luck

 

[garberz]

Ok so I have a lead on a cheap but complete 1999 Mercury Mountaineer with a 5.0/302 V8 to do a EFI motor swap into my 71.

Is it worth it? Are the electronics fairly easy to get lined out? I understand that the Explorer motor can be difficult to get out for that swap. I can cut the front clip off on this one.

Transmission? Will the block bolt to my existing C-4?

Suggestions, thoughts, input, opinions.

If you want to keep your C4, for the time being, the flex plate on the Mountaineer works with the C4 trans. But you’ll need to still use your block plate, that goes with the C4 inspection cover.

Mark

 

[FordBronc]

Appreciate the input, I will have to store all the answers for later. Just talked to the guy...now he says it needs a starter and battery to hear run. No idea on mileage. He does not know the condition of the motor. Runs or not?

I am not paying for parts or working on it for him, to just hear it run and see oil pressure. So I passed on it and will continue to look and also check for Explorer and Mustang motors.

Thanks again to all that replied.

 

[JKH67302]

If you want to keep your C4, for the time being, the flex plate on the Mountaineer works with the C4 trans. But you’ll need to still use your block plate, that goes with the C4 inspection cover.



Mark

Sorry for the hijack....

Mark, Will this work the other way around? In other words use the C4 flex plate (28 oz balance) with the 4r70W? I was under the impression only a 4R70/AOD flex plate would work.
James

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[garberz]

Sorry for the hijack....

Mark, Will this work the other way around? In other words use the C4 flex plate (28 oz balance) with the 4r70W? I was under the impression only a 4R70/AOD flex plate would work.
James

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Yes, if you need a 28oz. flex plate, the C4, AOD, and 4R70w will all work with that same flex plate.

Mark

 

[JKH67302]

Yes, if you need a 28oz. flex plate, the C4, AOD, and 4R70w will all work with that same flex plate.



Mark

Good to know! I'm putting EDIS on my older motor and the next step is the 4R70, so this is great news. Thanks Mark.
James

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[Boss Hugg]

Does it require a expensive adapter to get the Dana 20 to bolt to it or am I swapping in the xfer case too?

Save the money on the adapter. Look at the Northwest Fabworks Dana 20 Ecobox. $799 plus shipping. Bolts to the back of the 4wd 4r70w and to the dana 20. Of course you have to have the 4wd version, and converting the 2wd to 4wd takes the housing and output shaft and I'd recommend at LEAST a clutch kit while you have it apart to swap the shaft. The Ecobox uses the gearset from an NP2331 or 241. They give details on their website. The box is only 5.4" long.

 

[stretch]

One more option is to install an NP205. You will still need a new crossmember, and the 205 is heavy so an upper frame mount would be suggested. You would just need to notch the stock transfer case adapter but dimensionally it is very close to an Atlas. So if the gear ratio doesn't work for you down the road the conversion to the Altas is much easier.