1984 Ford Ranger reg cab and longbed. Engine swap options.

[MadMax_636]

Im looking into swapping my engine. Since mine is starting to wear out.
Ive thought about rebuilding or dropping a remanned engine into my truck. I also thought about swapping another engine that can use a carb. Since Id rather not deal with a wiring harness and ECU unless its just plug n play.

So if anyone has swapped either a 3.0L, 4.0L V6 or a 5.0L V8 from a 80s LTD please tell me how you did it!
Also, Does anyone know if you can convert a 4.0L v6 to a carb? Ive seen 3.0L 4 barrel intakes but it requires more than just the intake.

 

[bodied91ranger]

ive gotta 4.0 with manual trans in Maryland if you're interested. full wiring and ecu from 91 ranger 2wd. runs great pulled to do v8 swap and body drop.

 

[MadMax_636]

ive gotta 4.0 with manual trans in Maryland if you're interested. full wiring and ecu from 91 ranger 2wd. runs great pulled to do v8 swap and body drop.

How much? I live in southern GA.

 

[MadMax_636]

ive gotta 4.0 with manual trans in Maryland if you're interested. full wiring and ecu from 91 ranger 2wd. runs great pulled to do v8 swap and body drop.

My ranger has the 4 speed w/ OD. How many miles?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Get a 94+ roller 302, convert it to carb, youll be happyier.

Unless you have a 2.8, swapping in a 4.0 will be just as much work.

 

[bodied91ranger]

I dunno 3-400 bucks. motor runs strong, clutch is solid. have all wiring and computer and all that. I know its a drive but its a solid drivetrain

 

[MadMax_636]

I co worker/friend told me hes selling his early 2000s ranger with a 3.0L and a 5 speed. If I bought this truck. How hard would it be to do the swap? Also, could I convert it to carb?

 

[EvanCole45]

I co worker/friend told me hes selling his early 2000s ranger with a 3.0L and a 5 speed. If I bought this truck. How hard would it be to do the swap? Also, could I convert it to carb?

Thats kind of a pointless swap. The 3.0s are NOT performance engines. It would be a waste of time and money and you'd end up very disappointed. The 3.0 is very slow, doesn't rev out happily if you want it to be a fun car, doesn't sound particularly good, and it isn't as bulletproof as the tried and true 302. If you're going to swap in an engine, its worth the extra time and money for a 302. Another more unique swap would be a superchaged 4.0. There isn't too much info on it but I think it would be a sick swap. The 3.0s aren't bad engines, they just aren't worth the time to swap in and a terrible choice if you want a fun truck.

 

[b1pig]

would I be wrong for suggesting the 5.0? You know what they say, if you're gonna go, go big.

 

[19Walt93]

The easiest thing to do would be rebuild your 2.8 if you have a good machine shop nearby. What do you want the truck to do? I wanted to build a V8 Ranger and I'm going to use it to go to the hardware store, transfer station, and HomeDepot. I had a complete 351 out of a 95 F150 and a couple of C4's so I rebuilt them and in they went. I agree that a 3.0 wouldn't be worth the work and if you want a 2.9 or 4.0 ohv keep them EFI.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Get a 94+ roller 302, convert it to carb, youll be happyier.

Rollers started well before that, mine is out of an '87 Crown Vic. Trucks lagged way behind on getting rollers although their blocks were usually set up for a roller cam.

 

[19Walt93]

Mustang 302's had roller cams in 85, Crown vics had them at least by 86, I think trucks got them in the early 90's. There are roller conversions for older blocks but they aren't cheap. A flat tappet cam is still an option if you don't mind buying a zddp additive with each oil change but rollers would be my first choice.

 

[gaz]

Max:

If you do have the 2.8, it has aftermarket support to change to carb and they are SUPER CHEAP to rebuild!!

Offy intakes, headers lots of goodies out there for your engine. If you get the parts yourself and pay for the rebuild you can go very inexpensive.

Lifters $40
Push rods $40
*Valve job $150
Pistons $75
Rings $75
Bore/hone $180
Main/rod/cam bearing $60
Crank and rod turn $120
Felpro complete gasket kit $180
*Melling oil pump $120
*Gates water pump $30
*Cloyes timing set $75
$965, way...WAY BETTER THAN NEW!!
oh yeah, probably $200ish for assembly

Those Offy intakes, I seen for $80-150

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Max:

If you do have the 2.8, it has aftermarket support to change to carb and they are SUPER CHEAP to rebuild!!

Offy intakes, headers lots of goodies out there for your engine. If you get the parts yourself and pay for the rebuild you can go very inexpensive.

Lifters $40
Push rods $40
*Valve job $150
Pistons $75
Rings $75
Bore/hone $180
Main/rod/cam bearing $60
Crank and rod turn $120
Felpro complete gasket kit $180
*Melling oil pump $120
*Gates water pump $30
*Cloyes timing set $75
$965, way...WAY BETTER THAN NEW!!
oh yeah, probably $200ish for assembly

Those Offy intakes, I seen for $80-150

My good running 302 pullout was $200...

 

[independentreb12]

Can I hijack this thread? If so where is the best place to get a reman 2.9 or long block? Jasper? Lkq etc? I bought an 87 from California and had it shipped to New York but due to family and time constraints the 302 swap is on the back burner and now just leaning towards a like for like swap until time and money becomes more abundant.