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v8 swap or built 4.0


bcw

bcw

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ok so here is my truck I have a 92 ranger 4x4 with a 4.0 man trans and transfer case. After my deployment ill have some money to play around with and want to start planning and get some ideas. Now I am stuck deciding between a slightly modified EFI 302 or building my 4.0 up with more power.
the truck has 33s and is used for a weekend warrior/go everywhere vehicle. What do you guys recommend?
 


RonD

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I would vote for the 4.0l build, you won't get the horsepower of a V8 but for 4wheeling how much do you really need, it is usually about traction and gearing more than horsepower, and 4.0l has plenty of torque and enough horsepower to get you to the trails in a timely/legal manner, lol.

V8 swap requires new trans/transfer and computer and wiring, plus drive lines and differentials depending on power increase, so it can be a money pit in that respect
And you will have a Frankenstein when it comes to getting new parts down the road.

If you stay with 4.0l you just get parts for a '92 Ranger 4.0l 4x4

While there is "no replacement for displacement", it really comes down to what you want to use the truck for.

Changing to electric rad fan helps with low speed crawling(better cooling), better MPG and HP but not that noticeable, also good for water crossings, you can turn the fan OFF(if you add a switch), so no water soaked engine bay from fan spinning.
Exhaust is pretty good on 4.0l but headers can move power to lower RPM range.
 
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willy

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Its personal preference 4.0 os more than capable for weekend wheeling i did it for years but if it were me if the 4.0 is running strong beat it until the heads crack then get a donor explorer and a bw4406 from a 97/98 f150/250 and only go 5.0 option if your doing it at home not the hobby shop your truck will be down for a minute
 
bcw

bcw

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Thanks guy. Its a hard decision to make for sure lol. I don't need a speed demon I have another truck for that. Just something to cruise around in and conquer all trails. if I did do the v8 swap I want to keep it a manual with EFI. so what would be the transmission/ transfer case to go with.
 

willy

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I think zf5s come in a 4wd option if your using the explorer 5.0 you will need a tune to get rid of the auto trans functions
 
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