Dude, **** the ranger with a 350... put that 350 in the golf cart!?!? I'm just playin, lol. At least you'll have Ford's good looks on your side. Its best to run a full GM set up for ease. Especially if you are fabricating most of the stuff yourself. Try to sneak some chevrolet leafs for the truck, too. If you are using full size axles, the tires will stick out and be very wide compared to the Ranger's body. But, if its a mud truck then thats only going to get your truck muddier and throw up higher rooster tails! lol
I took a way different approach to my truck, but my goals were very different from yours. There's one thing all of us V8 swap guys share... hours of fun with friends and a garage fridge full of beer! If you do decide to go through with the swap, please start a thread and take pictures of your progress. Some of the people might pick on you for it, but a TRUE car enthusiast enjoys all cars while prefering one brand, instead of worshiping one brand and hating the rest. I myself enjoy all cars whether it be a rusty sleeper or an italian exotic. From 4x4s to muscle cars. And even some import cars if they built them with turbos and AWD (not civics and junk).