wanting to start the build.

[1987surfranger]

i have a 87 ranger 2 wheel drive with a 2.9 in it. im going to make it a prerunner and do either a 4.0 or 5.0 swap. But i have a few questions before i just start buying. Should i do the suspension 1st or the engine swap? or does it not matter? i already have a dd so no worrys there. My second question is about the front suspension i want to get the i beam kit from dave at threat...but what eles do it need for a coil over set up?

1. i beam kit
2. springs eibach? size?
3 coilover shocks sway a way? fox? size?

thats all i know (or think i know) that i need... any help would be great. o and im building it for messing around after riding by dirtbike so its not going to be like a race truck...by far

thanks guys

[Ranger44]

I can offer an opinion engine wise. I think the 5.0 woud be a better engine for a pre-runner, between the 2. If you're really wanting a v6 though, then a 3.0 would be just as good of choice. The reson being is that a pre-runner used as a pre-runner often sees high rpm's. The 4.0 isn't great for this as it has a lower operational powerband. This makes it great for crawling, but not the best for high-speed off-road. Both the 5.0, and 3.0 have higher powerbands, and produce their best at a higher rpm's.

[RaceRanger97]

i would do the engine swap first because you are going to need an engine cage to support your coilovers. It would be way better to make it around an engine rather than guessing and hope the new motor fits. As for coilovers I am really happy with the way my 2.5x14" sway aways handle. i am running a 250 over 450 spring rate. but I have a std cab 4 cyl.

[1987surfranger]

Thanks for the help guys. Ill take ur advice and go with the 5.0 as the front suspension goes is that the only 3 things I will need?

[RaceRanger97]

Thanks for the help guys. Ill take ur advice and go with the 5.0 as the front suspension goes is that the only 3 things I will need?

well.."i-beam kit" is kinda vague..you will need beams(bent, extended), extended tie rods to match ur new track witdth, radius arms with either pivot boxes or a tranny X-member that will support ur radius arms, an engine cage, coilovers, limit straps, extended brake liknes, and a bunch of Grade 8's lol

[1987surfranger]

Thanks for the break down that's what I was looking for...the I beam kit I was talking about was the one at threat motor sports but I wasn't sure what all it included