Potential project, looking for info.

[newtotheblueoval]

I just picked up a cheap 89 Ranger as a beater, and potential project, looking for some info on the future. '89 XLT extended cab, 2.9L V6, 5 speed with a good body. I'm planning on using this as a daily driver when it's not motorcycle weather, and for trips to Menards, and Home Depot. I've read about the noisey valve train, and causes, mine experiences this intermittently. A potential future project sounds like a 4.0L swap. Most articles I've read say to take as much from the 4.0 donor vehicle. My question is to keep it simple, and cheaper, can I just get a good used long block, and use the 2.9L manifolds, accessories, and electronics, are they interchangeable, or will I be opening up a can of worms?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Turbocharged 2.9 > any 4.0, sohc or ohv.

535 rwhp, stock guts, same engine that's in your Ranger.

 

[Dirtman]

Depends which 4.0 you're going for. The OHV or the SOHC. I honestly don't think a OHV swap is worth it, they don't make much more power than the 2.9 BUT that would be the easiest swap since they are practically the same engine. The SOHC is worth it for the extra power but pretty much nothing from the 2.9 is compatible.

 

[4.0blue98]

I'd second @Dirtman comments and I have the 4.0 OHV. I always figured at some point I'd put a 5.0 in it but I can't blow this one up. If you're set on a swap, I'd find a 5.0 for it.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Oh, and it's not difficult to do. Headers fit when reversed. My megasquirt (aftermarket ecm, cheap and most powerful efi tool available) tunes and data are posted to the tech section for reference and use.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

If you can deal with the tick just leave the 2.9 in it. They'll flat out surprise you what they are capable of

 

[19Walt93]

If it's really going to be a daily driver you'll save yourself future headaches by keeping the modifications to a minimum. Things like a freer breathing exhaust system and deeper rear end gears will make a difference and not cause difficulty when diagnosing problems. Keep up with the maintenance, keep the tires inflated, and don't haul around a bunch of extra weight. If the Menard's you're talking about is the Mustang salvage guys in Southern NH, you're probably in New England, I'd hate to see a good 89 run in the road salt.

 

[Dirtman]

Menards is a store like home depot...

 

[newtotheblueoval]

I'm not looking for a power increase, at all, I would actually prefer a 4 cylinder. I'm looking for a quiet , reliable engine, using as many original factory parts. My understanding is the OHV 4.0 does not have the valvetrain issues of the 2.9, so I thought any 4.0 OHV would be an improvement over another 2.9 of unknown history .

 

[Dirtman]

There really isn't an issue with the valvetrain, they are just noisy. The sky is blue, farts stink, 2.9's are noisy.

Keep the cooling system in immaculate shape and they are just as reliable as any of the other engines you would replace it with. They just cannot be overheated. If it overheats the heads will crack.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I'm not looking for a power increase, at all, I would actually prefer a 4 cylinder. I'm looking for a quiet , reliable engine, using as many original factory parts. My understanding is the OHV 4.0 does not have the valvetrain issues of the 2.9, so I thought any 4.0 OHV would be an improvement over another 2.9 of unknown history .

The 2.9 is noisy. Its just how they are. As long as you keep them cool they will run you a very very long time, get decent mileage, and have more then enough giddyup to scoot when need be.

The 4.0 also has its issues. There is no reason to swap a running 2.9 for a 4.0 in a daily driver/work truck that is otherwise stock. Messing with what the factory put there is the quickest way to turn reliabilty into unreliabilty.

Dont worry about unknown history, run it till it blows then do the swap or replace. No need to toss away whats probably a good engine just to know history.

 

[newtotheblueoval]

I suppose if the noise was consistent, I wouldn't worry so much. It will run 10 miles warmed up, as quiet as a church mouse, then the next 10 miles it sounds like the rocker arms are going to fly through the valve covers, then back to fairly quiet. As far as power, it's a dog, my old 2.5L 4 cylinder S10 would walk away from it. Economy is yet to be determined, I've only put about 80 miles on it so far, we'll see how this week goes.
Thanks to those of you with honest, and insightful answers though!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

As far as power, it's a dog, my old 2.5L 4 cylinder S10 would walk away from it.

You may have an issue then, my 87 2.9 will not lose by a whole lot to my dads 94 4.3L S10.

Change the oil, use good oil, and 1/2 bottle of lucas with a motorcraft filter, see if it helps.

As far as power goes you probably have other issues that need attention as well.

 

[sgtsandman]

I would keep the engine you have and just fix what is wrong with it, if anything. Each Ranger engine has is quirks and down sides, why make it harder by swapping a completely different engine in it? The 2.9 is a reliable engine as long as you keep up on it and take care of any issues the previous owner didn't.

 

[19Walt93]

Check the axle ratio sometime, if it's higher(lower number) than 3.73 I'd swap gears or rear ends. If the noise comes and goes and is worse hot a lifter may be sticking and it's possible a few oil changes will clear it up.