This may be crazy but let me explain

[Acefirebat]

Youll need trans, motor mounts, wireing/ecu (unless you save the headache and go carb)...numerous other odds and ends.

Yes its "eaiser" to mod the 4.0 but the work to gain ratio sucks.

The work to gain ratio doesn't bother me at all. I'm just a hobbyist kind of guy and I have no time goal for this project it's just something I kinda wanna do to show my ranger a little love. With that being said. Money to gain ratio definitely has definitely peaked my attention. I already started reading about a 351 swap but the guys on another forum were saying it's so heavy it would throw the balance of the ranger off, and I would need new springs, shocks, and general front suspension. I haven't read anything on a 302 swap yet. But those bigger motors will they fit in the rangers engine bay?

 

[RonD]

Bookmark this page: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

Scroll down to "Conversions" at the bottom, click on it

Have a read thru the V8 swaps

The 302(5.0l) is only 19" wide so does fit but a tight squeeze
Best bet is to find a 1996-2001 Explorer or Mountaineer with V8(its the 5.0l) and buy the whole vehicle, rusted out is fine and cheaper
Then you have most of the parts needed, engine/trans, computer, exhaust, and wiring

 

[Acefirebat]

RonD thanks very much! I already started reading that one and it's an extremely thorough article definitely going to read through it a few times before I definitely decide to commit to it.