CA: Looking for someone to talk to about BAR approved Engine change/swap process

[TSR85]

Well I tore it down. I am very happy with what i found. Looks like someone was doing regular maintenance on this Expo because the inside was nice and clean. Standard rods, mains and bores. Unmolested. I did however snap 3 bolts on the water pump and front cover. I'm going to put new rods, mains and rings and seal everything up and get ready to yank the 4.0 out of the ranger.

That is good, I’ve slowed down in my swap, time has been very tight for me. I was trying to get the timing cover but it looks like it’s ceased on the broken bolts to the water pump ports. I’m debating taking it to someone for a total refresh, but that would cost more than I want to spend at this point. Ideally, I want to get through inspection with this motor then once I have the BAR sticker build another engine for it.

 

[Hate For State]

Any update??? I'm currently gathering info to make my 5.0L conversion CA smog legal.

 

[tahiti429]

I have been really busy with other stuff. Im about 90% done with my swap. still need to have a driveshaft made and exhaust done.

 

[Hate For State]

Good to know. I just got approved by my smog ref yesterday to move forward with my conversion. Looking forward to more updates on your progress!

 

[tahiti429]

Ok. im almost done. I started my expo swapped ranger for the first time last night. Im sure the trick or treaters in my neighborhood thought what the hell is making all that noise. I was shocked when it fired right up. I still have quite a few issues that need attention. The drive shaft and exhaust being the most important. I have a question about the drive shaft. I would like to eliminate the carrier bearing and the cross member and run a one piece driveshaft but i don't know if i can. will the length be too long? If i cut the cross member out the exhaust will be much easier. Its a super cab and the one piece driveline would be about 5 inches longer than the stock two piece driveline.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Ok. im almost done. I started my expo swapped ranger for the first time last night. Im sure the trick or treaters in my neighborhood thought what the hell is making all that noise. I was shocked when it fired right up. I still have quite a few issues that need attention. The drive shaft and exhaust being the most important. I have a question about the drive shaft. I would like to eliminate the carrier bearing and the cross member and run a one piece driveshaft but i don't know if i can. will the length be too long? If i cut the cross member out the exhaust will be much easier. Its a super cab and the one piece driveline would be about 5 inches longer than the stock two piece driveline.

I swapped to a one piece driveshaft. There should be one that fits. There are a few articles out there about it. Having one made shouldnt be astronomically expensive either.