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2.5 2.3 questions


NIPs

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So I have a spun bearing in my 2.5 lima, my questions are can I put a 2.3 in and would it work with 2.5 wiring harness? My next question is what 2.3 would work with the 2.5 harness if it did work,1997 and older or 2002 and newer, last question as much as I love a Manuel the truck comes with an automatic and I want to keep the truck close to stock as possible(trans is also shot, its the reason of the spunbearing) what yr ranger can I find the 4r44e trans

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Mikel89us

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95-97 2.3 will work. It might run a little funny, but I doubt it. Idk about that trans.
 

NIPs

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My roommate said everything should work together he said he looked online and that a 2.3 would bolt in and even work with the transmission too, but hes not sure if the harness would work, I had a 96 ranger that had a 2.3, and then I got a 99 with a 2.5, from what I remember about how everything looks under the hood I dont remember to many differences they both had a dual plug ignition they both had an overdrive trans, and my roommate also said that both intake and exhaust manifolds are interchangeable and the heads, if anybody can confirm what my roommate is saying that would be awesome

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Mark_88

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I have a 96 Ranger that the previous owner had put in a 98 2.5. Initially he tried to use the 98 harness but had issues that he could not resolve. He ended up using the 98 engine (head and short block) and all the stock 96 wiring, computer and intake...

Only thing I think he did otherwise is to use the 98 fuel injectors...but not exactly sure...

So...it will work in reverse order...but the 2.3 does not flow as well (head) so you might have to use the older injectors (or maybe the intake and tb)...but it should work.
 

NIPs

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OK thanks mark

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Mikel89us

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We did the same in my dads 97. Be wary of intakes, my dads intake on his 97 did not line up with the 2.5 water jacket. We had to use the 2.5 intake
 

NIPs

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OK ill keep that in mind, the 2.5 is still in my truck im waiting to get lil more money and to find a solid engine to drop into it, cuz if I do a 2.3 I might do a turbo too, but 2 of my friends have 5.0s and I had always wanted to drop a 5.0 into this truck

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Mikel89us

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Do what will make you happiest when it comes to the end.
 

NIPs

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Also I heard that 2.3s come with forged pistons and crank is that true

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modelageek

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Also I heard that 2.3s come with forged pistons and crank is that true

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I think the 2.5 is a better engine. Why not just look for a 2.5. The install will be a POC. Pop in a new clutch disc and slave at a minimum. I would throw a new stat and timing belt on the new engine too. I loved my old 99 with the 2.5.

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NIPs

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I wish it was that EZ, I agree a 2.5 is better, but 1st mine was an automatic and 2nd I discovered its not just the engine and the transmission but the pcm/tcm have both gone bad, for this swap ID be looking at close 2k, not to mention the time I dont have and the money, I work 2 jobs 1 fulltime and 1 part-time and go to school fulltime too

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NIPs

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Plus I cant find any 2.5s cuz they're so rare, Ford only used them for that truck for 4yrs

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modelageek

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I wish it was that EZ, I agree a 2.5 is better, but 1st mine was an automatic and 2nd I discovered its not just the engine and the transmission but the pcm/tcm have both gone bad, for this swap ID be looking at close 2k, not to mention the time I dont have and the money, I work 2 jobs 1 fulltime and 1 part-time and go to school fulltime too

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Plus I cant find any 2.5s cuz they're so rare, Ford only used them for that truck for 4yrs

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I am going on record that you are making a mistake and also I bet your ecu is fine. They very rarely fail.

Ford sold over a million rangers during the years of the 2.5.

The auto and manual trannies both bolt up. You swap the flywheel/flexplate

Without oilpump swapping You will need a 2.3 from one with the Cam Sensor.(95-97). If your ECU is indeed bad I think you need one from the 2.5 years.

I am not trying to be combative just trying to save you from a lot of aggravation. Look on CL for a 2.5. I bet you find one.

If your serious about the 2.3 I would try and get adsm08 to look at your thread before diving in. My .02

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NIPs

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FORD
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2.5L 4Cyl
Transmission
Automatic
My credo
One shot one Kill
Not my Ecuador but tcm

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modelageek

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Not my Ecuador but tcm

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What's a tcm?

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