1988 Ranger 2.9 V8 swap

[Mrproff97]

So this is my first thread I am inquiring for as much information I can on what v8, transmission and rear end is best for the swap I would like to go carbureted and have a manual trans but I don’t want to reinvent the wheel to do so, I have little to no experience swapping engines so any input will be appreciated and considered.

 

[franklin2]

2wd or 4wd? If it's 2wd, I would find a 302 and a T5 like a 5.0 mustang setup and drop it in place.

 

[Mrproff97]

2wd or 4wd? If it's 2wd, I would find a 302 and a T5 like a 5.0 mustang setup and drop it in place.

2wd, I had considered that but I’d like to keep the bench seat I was thinking if I went that way maybe I could cut a sort of half moon shape into the center of it and have an upholstery sew it up. Do you by chance know of any articles that explain the process for the 5.0 and t5 swap?

 

[Ranger850]

2wd, I had considered that but I’d like to keep the bench seat I was thinking if I went that way maybe I could cut a sort of half moon shape into the center of it and have an upholstery sew it up. Do you by chance know of any articles that explain the process for the 5.0 and t5 swap?

Check out the Tech Library, at the top of THIS page

 

[19Walt93]

2wd, I had considered that but I’d like to keep the bench seat I was thinking if I went that way maybe I could cut a sort of half moon shape into the center of it and have an upholstery sew it up. Do you by chance know of any articles that explain the process for the 5.0 and t5 swap?

Your truck looks like exactly what I wanted, I ended up with a 93 longbox because the one I found wasn't rusty. In NH, not rusty trumps all other factors.
A Chevy S10 with a T5 had the shifter mounted further forward so it would clear the seat. Or you could use a lever like this:

 

[franklin2]

Check out the Tech Library, at the top of THIS page

Ford Ranger V-8 Engine Swap

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Mrproff97]

Thank you everyone for replying this helps a lot I will keep this thread updated as I start the swap, much appreciated