V-6 swaps

[1993rangerxl]

Have been going thru the tech section of TRS, my questions are,
1) Which is a better choice, 4.0 or 3.8? (I already have a 2000 3.8 with T5 trans from a mustang)
2) My truck is a 93 (OBD1?) which computer to use in the swap, OBD1 or 2?
3) in the tech section, I see v6 swap for v6 but not from a 4 to a v6, will this involve a lot more work? (I know motor mounts will be replaced)
Thanks for any feed back.

 

[RonD]

The reason you don't see it is that it just isn't a good bargain for the time and money it takes.
Better, and way way cheaper, would be to sell the stock 4cyl Ranger and buy a stock V6 Ranger.
Basically if you are going to swap to a larger engine then you do the V8(5.0l) swap using explorer as donor, it is already well documented so no surprises.
And the cost will be the same if not cheaper than the V6 swap, because of the "no surprises".

You use the computer for the engine model/size, the computer is there to run the fuel injection, and spark on newer models, in the late '80's automatic transmission control was also added to the computers duties, another factor when doing a swap.
In the late '90's PATS(passive anti-theft system) was added to Ford computers, this can up a swap budget alot if you are not prepared for it.

Yes, '94 and older Rangers used EEC-IV computers running OBDI, '95 and up Rangers used EEC-V computers running OBDII.
OBD(on-board diagnostics) is a communications and diagnostic tool, OBD II has more requirements to operate correctly, this can be an extra layer of work when swapping OBD II computer to OBD I vehicle.

Anything can be done, question is never "can I do it", question is "should I do it"

 

[SenorNoob]

The v6 to v6 (2.8 or 2.9 to 4.0) swaps are common because they are so easy. They can be done entirely with junkyard parts. Besides the fact that the 4.0 was never offered in a 1st gen. That's the main reason to do that swap.

Now if you have a VERY nice body/frame/suspension or the truck has sentimental value, then go for it.

 

[adsm08]

The 3.8 was a worthless engine. Under powered for it's displacement, it has issues with the heads, it just isn't worth it. If you want an Essex engine get a 4.2. If you want a good engine, get a 4.0.

It's not hard, engine, trans, harness, hook up fuel, get a computer, fire it up.

 

[1993rangerxl]

Yes the truck has sentimental value (I'm 2nd owner and have had it since '97). Looking to upgrade on power/torque, maybe auto trans. Unlike many of the members out there I don't have access to a garage, lifts or other neat and convenient tools like that. Florida truck so very little rust and no frame issues. Yes it needs a paint job. The cost of used rangers are crazy high in my area and the cheap ones should've hit the junk yard years ago! So I figure why not keep the one I have and reinvest into it. Just say'in.

 

[RonD]

Then the choice for a V6 would be the 4.0l OHV, it was a stock engine in Rangers from '90 to '00
So all the parts should be available.
'94 was the last year of speedometer cable in trans for Rangers, your '93 dash needs that.

'94 was also the last year for OBDI in Rangers, so finding a donor '90-'94 4.0l Ranger would be almost plug and play, computer/wiring and engine/trans

 

[SenorNoob]

Don't forget about the change in ECU placement. That can be aggravating if you have everything ready otherwise. IF I remember correctly it went from the passenger kick panel to a special box in the firewall in '93 for the Ranger

 

[1993rangerxl]

Thanks for the info. I have an 8.8 Explorer axle coming with 4.10 gears so I can go to 15 or 16 inch wheels. Looking to replace the stock body mounts with 4X4 body mounts. Looking to have some fun with this.