A few questions regarding swapping parts from a 2.9L donor vehicle

[killswitch21]

So, I have a 1990 Ranger 2.9L 4x4 with a manual Transmission.
I recently came across someone selling another 2.9L motor out of a 1990 ranger for $250 and I'm debating picking it up as a spare engine. But this donor vehicle is definitely automatic trans and I don't think its 4x4 though I'm not positive on that.

So I'm pretty sure it wont matter, But I wanted to confirm before pulling the trigger.
Would I have any issues swapping the 2.9L from the Automatic Truck into my manual transmission 2.9L truck? Basically would the 2.9L from a Auto Trans bolt up to my Manual transmission without issue?

Furthermore, assuming this donor vehicle is 2WD, would that give me any issues since my truck is 4x4? Again, I assume not, but wanted to confirm before purchasing.

He also claims the truck has a 8.8" rear end for $200 which makes me think it is a 4x4.
As far as swapping an 8.8" in to replace my 7.5", as long as its the same 3.73 Gearing it should be pretty simple correct? (unlike the Explorer axle swap where you have to cut and weld the shock connections on in the correct place.)

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[adsm08]

Ford is too cheap to make different versions of the engine for all those options.

The only thing you might notice is a 2wd oil pan is a tighter fit on a 4x4 vehicle, but it does fit.

 

[MikeG]

Where did he get the 8.8 axle? It didn't come from the factory with a 2.9, and an 8.8. 8.8 axles were factory with 4.0 engines only, as far as I know.

If it's a Ranger 8.8, no problem. If it's an Explorer 8.8, what brakes? Does it have the spring perches in the right place for a Ranger?

 

[killswitch21]

Ford is too cheap to make different versions of the engine for all those options.

The only thing you might notice is a 2wd oil pan is a tighter fit on a 4x4 vehicle, but it does fit.

Thanks, That's what I figured but just wanted to confirm! Safe to assume I could probably just swap Oil pans?

 

[killswitch21]

Where did he get the 8.8 axle? It didn't come from the factory with a 2.9, and an 8.8. 8.8 axles were factory with 4.0 engines only, as far as I know.

If it's a Ranger 8.8, no problem. If it's an Explorer 8.8, what brakes? Does it have the spring perches in the right place for a Ranger?

I'm not sure where he got it from, I'll have to ask if he swapped it in at some point. I had saw the same thing that the 8.8" only came on the 4.0L, So I'm a bit confused as well.

 

[adsm08]

Thanks, That's what I figured but just wanted to confirm! Safe to assume I could probably just swap Oil pans?

You don't even need to swap pans. It will fit, it just sits a lot closer to the engine cross member, but doesn't actually touch.