towing/hauling with a ranger. 4.0 or V8 5.0 conversion?

[echo]

I have an 88 4x4 with a 2.9l. Looking to get more towing and hauling out of it. I was wondering if I should source out a newer 4.0 that drops right in if I'm correct or go the step higher and covert to a 302 V8? Is the conversion worth all the extra work?

 

[martin]

It all depends on what you want to tow, and how often you want to do it.

 

[RonD]

Legally it won't change the towing capacity, so if there was an accident, doesn't have to be weight related or even your fault, your insurance company could just walk away, legally.

That being said gearing might be a better solution.

2.9l = 140hp
4.0l =160hp, 15% increase
5.0l = 210hp, 50% increase

5.0l might be less work, depending what fuel and ignition system you use

 

[gw33gp]

You didn't list the torque which is very important when towing. The 2.9L engine put out 170 lb-ft peek torque and the 4.0L OHV engine put out 225 lb-ft peek torque. The 5.0 L is around 280 lb-ft peek torque.

The 5.0 still looks much better but the 4.0 is a very good improvement over the 2.9.

 

[ronclark]

You didn't list the torque which is very important when towing. The 2.9L engine put out 170 lb-ft peek torque and the 4.0L OHV engine put out 225 lb-ft peek torque. The 5.0 L is around 280 lb-ft peek torque.

The 5.0 still looks much better but the 4.0 is a very good improvement over the 2.9.

One more key factor is were the peak torque.
The 4.0L is around 1800, the 5.0L is higher I can't remember off the top of my head.
I can tell you the 4.0L walkes over the 2.9L, when the the 2.9L is working hard the 4.0L is just getting warmed up.

My Ranger is a 4x4 4.0L 5 speed, 4:10 with 30's its down right scarry what it can tow. I can pull way more than I can posable stop with out trailer brakes.

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