Selecting Ranger for v8 swap and selecting donor vehicle

[SlugStang8997]

I live in California, i want to say that straight away. So the trucks have to have all emissions equipment. I have a v8 Ranger that was recently saved by @Thedrill and i really like my v8 ranger so much so... Im considering building another one. It would be a trail truck for my older brother. He really likes jeeps though but im trying to convince him to do a ranger instead. He likes the jeep grand cherokee swapped with a v8. Neither of us are mechanics though so we are at a disadvantage. Would be paying for labor to a shop or trusted individual. But anyways

I really like the small 2 door ranger with 6 foot bed. I would want that size ranger but with the v8. Most of the v8 swapped rangers i see are extended cab. I have a 5.0 v8 ranger from Mountaineer and my truck year is 2001. So i would like to build one like what i have but smaller.

So i haven't made any moves cause i don't have money right now but my older brother does but he is more picky then me when it comes to vehicles.(Condition wise cosmetics) My brother also wants a 4x4 while i do not i would do a rwd 2wd.

So What year vehicles should i be looking for as far as Ranger and explorer/Mountaineer. Again im looking to build one like what i already have. Again i really like my truck and am greatful to have it. But would be building one for my older brother. Anyways any tips tricks advice would be great. I have done some reading on what vehicle to choose but figure i should post anyway to get more in depth info. I got to go hit the bicycle trail...so i have to cut this short i will post later thanks in advance

 

[Uncle Gump]

You just need to speak with @Thedrill

Tell him what you want and what you want to do with it.

Not his first rodeo... you like how he built your truck... he stands behind what he does. Just seems like a no brainer to me.

Ask him what he thinks and what he would start with.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Personally, being in cali, where rust isnt an issue, id look for an 83-88.

Why?

Besides the fact IMO they look the best, they should be the eaisest to find in good shape for cheap.

AND...

Since emission requirements require an engine same year or newer you would have a much bigger option list for what 302 you can swap in.

 

[superj]

Grand cherokee came with v8s from the factory so he can buy then that way. Every chasis code of grand cherokee could have a v8.

They are known to overheat though. The 360 doesnt like how tight it is in that engine bay

 

[SlugStang8997]

Grand cherokee came with v8s from the factory so he can buy then that way. Every chasis code of grand cherokee could have a v8.

They are known to overheat though. The 360 doesnt like how tight it is in that engine bay

I think my brother wants an LS swapped jeep whatever that means i got to look it up. But i know he mentioned the cherokee as well many times. I know for certain he really wants some kind of 4x4 jeep. I got ask him. But i rather him do a ranger like mine.

 

[SlugStang8997]

Personally, being in cali, where rust isnt an issue, id look for an 83-88.

Why?

Besides the fact IMO they look the best, they should be the eaisest to find in good shape for cheap.

AND...

Since emission requirements require an engine same year or newer you would have a much bigger option list for what 302 you can swap in.

Agreed they do look the best, I really like the boxie looking rangers best.

 

[JoshT]

Honestly, I'd say leave it alone and let your brother run what he likes.

If you want to build yourself a trail truck, that's a different story.

 

[SlugStang8997]

You just need to speak with @Thedrill

Tell him what you want and what you want to do with it.

Not his first rodeo... you like how he built your truck... he stands behind what he does. Just seems like a no brainer to me.

Ask him what he thinks and what he would start with.

I will ask @Thedrill for advice for sure as well, He would be the master of Cali v8 rangers thus far don't know anybody else i cali who has one. I think he is building another ranger right now though.

 

[SlugStang8997]

Honestly, I'd say leave it alone and let your brother run what he likes.

If you want to build yourself a trail truck, that's a different story.

Thats always an option just let my bro build his Jeep. He has been wanting one for years. Im a little selfish is was hoping he would do a tiny v8 ranger so i could drive it sometimes. lol

 

[JoshT]

I think my brother wants an LS swapped jeep whatever that means i got to look it up. But i know he mentioned the cherokee as well many times. I know for certain he really wants some kind of 4x4 jeep. I got ask him. But i rather him do a ranger like mine.

LS swapped means that it is V8 swapped using the Chevy LS based motor.

I hate to say this, but... Dollar for dollar, you aren't going to beat an LS swapped Jeep off road with a 5.0 swapped Ranger. Doesn't matter if it's a Wrangler or a Cherokee. LS is just too cheap and plentiful for a 5.0L to compete with, cheaper to build and supports more power too. The Jeep (especially Wrangler) is a better platform for offroading in stock form. You'd have to sink a lot more into the Ranger to make it competitive.

That's coming from a guy that has no interest in ever owning a Jeep or an LS.

 

[SlugStang8997]

LS swapped means that it is V8 swapped using the Chevy LS based motor.

I hate to say this, but... Dollar for dollar, you aren't going to beat an LS swapped Jeep off road with a 5.0 swapped Ranger. Doesn't matter if it's a Wrangler or a Cherokee. LS is just too cheap and plentiful for a 5.0L to compete with, cheaper to build and supports more power too. The Jeep (especially Wrangler) is a better platform for offroading in stock form. You'd have to sink a lot more into the Ranger to make it competitive.

That's coming from a guy that has no interest in ever owning a Jeep or an LS.

Thanks for your reply
O okay so thats what it is. Yeah he was telling me how great they are. He wanted me to build one of those instead of my truck. I will do some reading about the LS swap. He was saying something about the cherokee with the same motor as a chevy silverado. I think that is what he really wants. My brother has a 2015 chevy silverado, He was looking at a jeep cherokee using the same engine that was in his truck. They are Cool but i like the ranger better. My first car was a ranger so i really like them. Again selfishly wanting to my bro to build a ranger.

My brother thinks that the Mountaineer and explorer are trash. Im trying to defend them. I don't think there trash. He has always been more of a chevy guy though. I wouldn't want to start the ford vs chevy debate...it will never end.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

LS swapped means that it is V8 swapped using the Chevy LS based motor.

I hate to say this, but... Dollar for dollar, you aren't going to beat an LS swapped Jeep off road with a 5.0 swapped Ranger. Doesn't matter if it's a Wrangler or a Cherokee. LS is just too cheap and plentiful for a 5.0L to compete with, cheaper to build and supports more power too. The Jeep (especially Wrangler) is a better platform for offroading in stock form. You'd have to sink a lot more into the Ranger to make it competitive.

That's coming from a guy that has no interest in ever owning a Jeep or an LS.

I bet a stock YJ/TJ wouldnt be as far ahead as you think over a TTB B2/Ranger/Explorer sport.

A CJ is a different story.

It would come down to driver id think. Any of them even stock are capable of more then the average driver would put them through.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Personally, being in cali, where rust isnt an issue, id look for an 83-88.

Why?

Besides the fact IMO they look the best, they should be the eaisest to find in good shape for cheap.

AND...

Since emission requirements require an engine same year or newer you would have a much bigger option list for what 302 you can swap in.

Best looking but... 90-97 already have the better axles.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Best looking but... 90-97 already have the better axles.

Didnt he say a 2wd street truck?

A 7.5 will handle a 302.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Didnt he say a 2wd street truck?

A 7.5 will handle a 302.

Trail truck.