i have a 98 ford explorer ohc 4.0 can i swap it with a 2000 explorer ohc 4.0?

I would think so, same engine, computer should be ok. If you can just double check to see if plugins are the same on top of the engine.

I believe your 98 has a 4.0 OHV (pushrod type) engine, unless it has been changed before. Check and make sure the electronics are the same. Also, the newer SOHC engine has about 20 or so more HP.

Also, both of the engines we are speaking of were used in the 99 Explorer and the OHV engine was discontinued in 2000 completely. Before you dig in to deeply and begin pulling out the wrenches, I suggest you check the pinout for the PCM on both vehicles. I suspect several are going to be used on the SOHC engine which were not used on the OHV engine. Which means a re-flash of the PCM at best and a significant wiring modification at best. Also check your state's emission regs on engine swaps, if they have one.

Good points OJ.

My 98 is a SOHC but two of the wiring plugs don't match up. Is there away to change them or still make the 2000 engine work?

the one I believe is for the cam shaft sensor, the other one I can't find a location

If your vehicle has a 4.0 SOHC in it, then it was put in sometime after it was assembled by another party. The PCM in a 2000 explorer SOHC uses six or more pinouts which are not used in the OHV engine of the 98. This, I suspect, will cause difficulties.