2.8L motormounts on 4.0L

geoph1986 · Oct 21, 2007

I have a 1983 Ranger 4X4, 2.8L 4 spd. manual that is bone stock. After finding out what was all involved for the V8 conversion (too much for my skills and pocket book right now), I am now considering converting my 2.8L manual to a 4.0L automatic.
I've read the tech stuff and saw one post in the sticky that said he used the 2.8L mounts on the 4.0L motor without modification. His donor was a 1992 Explorer.
Has anyone else done this? Is the 4.0L too much power for the 2.8L mounts?
Also, is there a H.O. 4.0L? If so, what vehicles came with them?
Thanks in advance.

AllanD · Oct 22, 2007

Actually the rubber mounts on the frame are the same from 1983 when the 2.8 was
first put into Rangers and 1997 after which the frame was changed radically.

Fact is rubber motor mounts are a "wear item" and your original rubber mounts are probably crap anyway.

So when you get the engine from the donor vehicle unbolt the mounts from the frame instead of the engine from the mounts.

It's one 18mm nut either way.

As for an HO4.0? No, not really.

but if you are used to a 2,8 and someone put a 4.0 in it and took you for a ride after TELLING you they swapped in a V8 you'd never know the difference.

I swapped from a 2.9 to a 4.0 and it's like night and day.

As for an auto behind a 4.0? you'll be sorry!

AD

Totalled · Oct 22, 2007

Use 4.0 mounts. 2.8L replacement mounts are about 3 times the price.

geoph1986 · Oct 22, 2007

If I use 4.0l motor mounts, I'll have to drill mounting holes on the passenger side, right?
If I opt to keep a manual trans will my stock TK 4spd bolt to the 4.0L? And if it does will it be able to handle the extra power? What transmissions will allow me to keep my transfer case in the stock location? What other mods will I have to perform to use a different manual trans?

Ranger-Rod · Nov 22, 2007

Ok, Sorry not trying to Hyjack your post, but I have a few questions.
I have a '90 Ranger 2.9L 2wd, was auto, swapped in 5speed. Changed out timing chain and gear set,new water pump, motor mounts,drive shaft. Now tranny taking crapper, have '88 Bronco II doner for 4wd swap.
But Motor giving me some problems.
Heres the question part.
I recently ran into, a self proclaimed Ranger expert, I was running the idea by him about doing a 4.0L swap.
He says the 2.9 and 4.0 are very much the same.
He says the 4.0 block and heads will fit under under the 2.9 intake.
That the 4.0 still has the distributor hole and he has done this in the past.
He knows alot about auto repair and alot about Rangers.
I need to know is any of his info correct?

2.8L motormounts on 4.0L

geoph1986

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AllanD

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Totalled

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geoph1986

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