1988 Ranger 4x4 2.9L Auto to 302 auto/manual swap start

[johndough]

Hi there, I have a 1988 4x4 2.9L Automatic Ranger Extended Cab and I'd like to do a 5.0L 302 swap with a manual transmission or an automatic transmission (whichever is easier). I'm posting because I'd like to know what all I need for this swap and possibly an estimate on costs if possible. I'd like to keep it 4x4. Thank you.

 

[RonD]

If you haven't been here then this is a good page to bookmark: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

In the Engine section or Conversion section are articles on V8 swaps
Several
Read them all

The most common method is to buy a 1996 to 2001 V8 Explorer, 4x4(in your case), they were all automatics
You get pretty much all the parts needed for the swap with the one purchase
1996/7 are the best years to use

But some don't want fuel injection or computers so you can use any year 302(5.0l) V8 with carb and distributor, very little wiring needed

The 302(5.0l) V8s are only 19" wide so fit, barely, in Ranger engine bay
Other V8 models, especially with Overhead Cams are too wide

 

[johndough]

If you haven't been here then this is a good page to bookmark: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

In the Engine section or Conversion section are articles on V8 swaps
Several
Read them all

The most common method is to buy a 1996 to 2001 V8 Explorer, 4x4(in your case), they were all automatics
You get pretty much all the parts needed for the swap with the one purchase
1996/7 are the best years to use

But some don't want fuel injection or computers so you can use any year 302(5.0l) V8 with carb and distributor, very little wiring needed

The 302(5.0l) V8s are only 19" wide so fit, barely, in Ranger engine bay
Other V8 models, especially with Overhead Cams are too wide

So there's no big problems going from a fuel injected fuel system like the one on my EFI 2.9L to the carb system on a carbureted 302?

 

[RonD]

No, in fact I think the 1988 Rangers had the low pressure lift pump in the gas tank and then a high pressure pump in the frame rail for fuel injection use, so carb setup could just use the low pressure pump, and you would remove high pressure pump
But worst case is you add a Fuel Pressure regulator for 7-9psi on the current high pressure system

EFI and distributorless engines are better in all respects, but carb/distributor are easier for most to work on, and wire up
You would need an AOD automatic, 4x4 version, and transfer case(Ranger trans and transfer case won't work)
AOD was the last automatic that didn't need computer control, AODE did need a computer

If you have electric shift 4WD then the V8 electric shift transfer cases are plug and play, just larger for V8 power, but same shift motor and control