1986 Ranger 4x4 - 2.3 - 5spd

[GabyRanger]

Hello,

Can I directly swap a newer 2.3 engine into my 1986 Ranger?

Appreciate any help.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

welcome to TRS.
about your question, directly as in changing a tire no, but with some small work, yes it can be done

 

[Earl43P]

There is a lot of info in this thread: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9

 

[KARMAN]

Find a wreck

My guess is that a wrecked late model with all the electronic stuff in it would be the best way to swap.
I wish they had a 4X4 option on the new 2.3L trucks.
The engine has enough power to handle it and it would get better gas mileage than the 4.0.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

My guess is that a wrecked late model with all the electronic stuff in it would be the best way to swap.
I wish they had a 4X4 option on the new 2.3L trucks.
The engine has enough power to handle it and it would get better gas mileage than the 4.0.

yup. toyota and nissan offered 4 cyl 4wds even until 2003 and they move really nice. with propper gearing the lima and duratec engines would perform decent imo.

 

[02RangerXLT]

My guess is that a wrecked late model with all the electronic stuff in it would be the best way to swap.
I wish they had a 4X4 option on the new 2.3L trucks.
The engine has enough power to handle it and it would get better gas mileage than the 4.0.

My thoughts exactly, the 4 banger has more than enough power to be awesome for occasional use of 4WD in the winter and sometimes in the mud...

 

[adsm08]

You would need computer, dash and engine wiring, etc. It should bolt directly into place, but won't plug into or run with your 86 wiring and computer.