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2011 4.0 in 86 ranger?


shanestarbuck68

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I have an opportunity to buy really cheap a 2011 ford Ranger sport ext cab that has been rolled but only has 10000 miles on it. It is a complete truck and still drives although the entire body is trashed. It has a 4.0L v-6 and automatic transmission. Can I put that drive train into my 1986 ford ranger ext cab it also has a v-6 and automatic transmission although both these are bad.
 


nb11

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In short, yes. It'll be a lot of work, though, since you'll pretty much need complete new wiring to get your dash to work. I believe back in '86 engines were OBDI, while the new truck will be OBDII. Also, you'll have to have the PATS disabled by a dealer.
 

holyford86

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people have done the swap and used the eec-iv computer from early 90s 4.0 trucks, you could get your engine to run fine with it but it won't play nice with your transmision
 

03ranger30

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Just ditch the auto and get a stick
 

85_Ranger4x4

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Body swap?

Then you have an old truck that literally drives like a new one :icon_thumby:
 

shanestarbuck68

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Body swap?

Then you have an old truck that literally drives like a new one :icon_thumby:
So to me this actually seems like the best option if the body will fit without too many modifications
 

country0001

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Take the dash with it. Then you wouldn't have to worry bout rewiring anything
 

85_Ranger4x4

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Take the dash with it. Then you wouldn't have to worry bout rewiring anything
I don't know how it is set up under there but make sure to leave the '86's VIN in the cab.

Somebody might smell a rat if you have an '86 body with an '11 VIN (that is probably junked to boot)
 

adsm08

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It may work. I think there have been some fitment issues between the older engine c-member and the deep 4.0 SOHC oil pan.

Either way, you will need to take the trans, dash, and PATS components. It could work, but it will be a LOT of work.
 

holyford86

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It may work. I think there have been some fitment issues between the older engine c-member and the deep 4.0 SOHC oil pan.

Either way, you will need to take the trans, dash, and PATS components. It could work, but it will be a LOT of work.
There are fitment issues, you have to remove a good portion of the crossmember on the passenger side and cut a little notch in the frame if you use the newer manifolds with the wider bolt spacing
 

Rose2300

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So to me this actually seems like the best option if the body will fit without too many modifications
Why go through the work in putting a newer body on an old frame when you could just buy a newer (like 96+) ranger with a trashed engine for cheap and put the '11 engine in that?
 

Gotta_gofast

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Why go through the work in putting a newer body on an old frame when you could just buy a newer (like 96+) ranger with a trashed engine for cheap and put the '11 engine in that?
No, it was advised to put the old body on the new frame. He already has a truck in good condition, I think it would be pretty cool to have 2011 frame/power/suspension under an old school body.
 

Beef52751

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he was putting the old body ona new frame so it would look like his first gen but mechanically be a 2011
damn, i type to slow!!!
 

Rose2300

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No, it was advised to put the old body on the new frame. He already has a truck in good condition, I think it would be pretty cool to have 2011 frame/power/suspension under an old school body.
ohhhhhh....

ok that would be badass haha
 

colby450xc

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Either way a lot of work and probably some fabrication involved. Swapping a dash board is a big enough bitch much less putting an updated dash in an old school truck.... just depends how much time, and how many tools you have.
 

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