Best engine for 95 Ranger swap?

[csams004]

I have a 2.3L, I4 , 5-speed manual 1995 Ford Ranger XLT 2 wheel drive.

What is the best engine to swap with it? The main suggestion from the research I have done is a Ford Mustang 5.0L/302 engine. Is this what ya'll would suggest and what year would be best? Is there something easier to put in that wouldn't require much modifying to fit in the engine?

Also what else will need to be changed when the engine swap is done and can you estimate a cost? I figure the engine will be under 1000, but if this is off let me know.

Lastly, what other mods would ya'll suggest for this truck where you get the most bang for your buck? All advice and knowledge is welcome, even the most basic stuff, as I am just beginning to learn about trucks and cars (never had a father to teach me).

 

[adsm08]

The Explorer 5.0 is better than the Mustang 5.0. It was basically built to go in that engine bay.

 

[Surrey]

Dont forget you will NEED a new rear axle, a 5.0 will destroy your current axle in no time.

Also gonna need a tranny for that 5.0.

Finding a donor explorer will yield you with most of what you need.

 

[dangerranger83]

My 7.5 is holding up find on 32 inch mud tires, it's the spider gears being the weak link. I make my tires make noise dumping the clutch from gear to gear. It's all in how you drive that determines if you are going to grenade something or not. I do plan on putting and recommend putting an explorer 8.8 in though.

Sent from my rooted SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2