• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Can a 4.6 fit in a 1987 ramger


Oscaral18

New Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2022
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Tucson, Arizona
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Automatic
First off, the 4.6 us free, coming out of a 2001 mustang from my father, only has 22k miles on it and is coming with computer/ tranny/ rear end. He's coyote swapping his. Can that motor fit inside my 87 ranger?
I'm hoping nothing needs to he changed to the frame or the cab? Thanks for the replies.
 


Blmpkn

Toilet enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2020
Messages
5,475
Reaction score
6,325
Points
113
Location
Southern maine
Vehicle Year
2023
Make / Model
Ford Bronco
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2.5"
Tire Size
285/75/18
My credo
Its probably better to be self deprecating than self defecating.
It can fit, but not easily. The 4.6 is crazy wide compared to most motors people want to swap in.
 

Oscaral18

New Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2022
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Tucson, Arizona
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Automatic
It can fit, but not easily. The 4.6 is crazy wide compared to most motors people want to swap in.
Thank you, I just wanted to see if it was even worth looking into being it's all there and being given to me
 

Blmpkn

Toilet enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2020
Messages
5,475
Reaction score
6,325
Points
113
Location
Southern maine
Vehicle Year
2023
Make / Model
Ford Bronco
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2.5"
Tire Size
285/75/18
My credo
Its probably better to be self deprecating than self defecating.
People have done wierder / more difficult swaps in things just because 'it was all there'..

I say go for it!
 

4x4prepper

Active Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2015
Messages
507
Reaction score
215
Points
43
Location
Atlanta
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual

> coming with computer

I think the engine it is too wide to fit in your Ranger, can you find pictures of one already installed in a 1st generation?

But, if I did the swap I would go with a carb set up. If going stock, you are going to need a programmer, imho, if you plan on getting this off the ground without going broke going to a dealership or speed shop. That plus a 3" body lift and doing something with your steering. I am pretty sure the 4.6 heads will go right where your steering shaft is. Clearance on the heater box is doubtful. Are you removing the whole harness from the Mustang?

A 2001 Mustang is more complicated then a 1998 Mustang.

What about the exhaust and the cats?

What about the fuel tank, the fuel pump, and lines?

What about the speedometer head unit ??????

What about the vapor canister and check valve/sensor for the gas cap on the filler neck? (which I believe is on the 2001 Mustang).

PATS?

Summit no longer carries this:

Edelbrock VICTOR JR MANIFO Part 2839
$1247.99

I see this "free" engine being $2500 just in additional parts, not counting the labor, if it fits, along with the transmission. You are going to do some welding and fabbing to use the transmission (AT or MT) and rear axle. Not to mention the driveshaft.

Anything is possible with enough $ and time when it comes to sticking an engine into a vehicle.

For $2500 and 100 hours, I would buy a beat 1990-1994 4.0L 4x4 Explorer, buy a reman engine with 3 year warranty, and swap that deal in. Or buy a low mileage Explorer with a blown tranny, swap the drive train and put in a rebuilt transmission. That way you get a better rear axle, a good front axle if 4x4, some extra rims (hopefully alloy), maybe some better buckets. The Explorer swap would probably be 30-40 hours.
 

Ranger850

Doesn't get Sarcasm . . .
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Jan 24, 2018
Messages
8,414
Reaction score
4,651
Points
113
Location
Tallahassee Florida
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
DO IT. Forget what the "ney sayers" say. If you have the "free" stuff AND the Ranger, don't let the "easy" stuff get you. People have put big blocks into small trucks before. Yes the 4.6 is wide, but with proper planning and some good fabrication, it can be done. and probably SHOULD be done just to stop all the " it can'tr be done" talk. I thought about putting a 4.6 in my "01 Ranger too. Had everything I needed, except the shop space, so I got rid of the 97 Lincoln Continental donor for a '00 awd Explorer Donor.
 

Ranger850

Doesn't get Sarcasm . . .
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Jan 24, 2018
Messages
8,414
Reaction score
4,651
Points
113
Location
Tallahassee Florida
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.

fastpakr

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
U.S. Military - Veteran
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
7,971
Reaction score
2,772
Points
113
Location
Roanoke, VA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
285/75-16
DO IT. Forget what the "ney sayers" say. If you have the "free" stuff AND the Ranger, don't let the "easy" stuff get you. People have put big blocks into small trucks before. Yes the 4.6 is wide, but with proper planning and some good fabrication, it can be done. and probably SHOULD be done just to stop all the " it can'tr be done" talk. I thought about putting a 4.6 in my "01 Ranger too. Had everything I needed, except the shop space, so I got rid of the 97 Lincoln Continental donor for a '00 awd Explorer Donor.
It can be done.
It has been done in a Ranger before (though I wouldn't swear to a TTB Ranger).


There are FAR better options.
 

Ranger850

Doesn't get Sarcasm . . .
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Jan 24, 2018
Messages
8,414
Reaction score
4,651
Points
113
Location
Tallahassee Florida
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
Of course there are, but he already has it, and it was free.
 

fastpakr

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
U.S. Military - Veteran
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
7,971
Reaction score
2,772
Points
113
Location
Roanoke, VA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
285/75-16
Sigh...


If you know something about the topic, then by all means - contribute.

If you're jumping in to send someone down a very expensive and painful rabbit hole, consider the implications of giving bad advice.

This is a 4.6 next to a 302. This is the primary reason it's a bad swap candidate.
1660056689626.png
 

85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,130
Reaction score
17,342
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
DO IT. Forget what the "ney sayers" say. If you have the "free" stuff AND the Ranger, don't let the "easy" stuff get you. People have put big blocks into small trucks before. Yes the 4.6 is wide, but with proper planning and some good fabrication, it can be done. and probably SHOULD be done just to stop all the " it can'tr be done" talk. I thought about putting a 4.6 in my "01 Ranger too. Had everything I needed, except the shop space, so I got rid of the 97 Lincoln Continental donor for a '00 awd Explorer Donor.
A measly 2v 4.6 is wider than a 460...

Doable though.

Delete the HVAC. Might get something aftermarket to work that is self contained in the dash.
Re-engineer the steering, outside of frame, maybe new suspension with a rack.

Lotsa work for 220hp.

They fit a lot better in the 98+ trucks but are still very snug.
 

Ranger850

Doesn't get Sarcasm . . .
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Jan 24, 2018
Messages
8,414
Reaction score
4,651
Points
113
Location
Tallahassee Florida
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
I'm not sending anyone anywhere. I'm saying do what he wants to do and to not let negative Nancy's stop him. He can do his own research of whether or not he wants to attempt the swap. A guy put a twin turbo 7.3 Powerstroke into a Ranger that he also turned into a dually, so anything CAN be done. I don't know how much $$ OP has or his skill level. Do you?
 

fastpakr

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
U.S. Military - Veteran
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
7,971
Reaction score
2,772
Points
113
Location
Roanoke, VA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
285/75-16
The only way I'd even consider encouraging him would be to know EXACTLY what his skill level is. That's the whole point.
 

BiggSherm1988

Active Member
U.S. Military - Active
Joined
Feb 1, 2022
Messages
101
Reaction score
57
Points
28
Location
Germany
Vehicle Year
2008
Make / Model
Ford/Ranger
Transmission
Manual
Total Lift
none...yet
Total Drop
not for me
anything is possible with a welder and some patience.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top