1989 2.9 to 4.0

[Jasonergle03]

I need some help I have a 1989 ranger 4wd automatic with the 2.9 I found a 92 explorer 4wd automatic with the 4.0 I want to swap it over into my ranger what all do I have to do about wiring do I have to take the computer and all out the explorer and put in my ranger or not ?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I havnt done the swap personally, but from what I understand you will need the computer and what all....
Check the tech section (at the top of every page), there are several write ups in there.
PS; welcome to TRS.

 

[Jasonergle03]

What do you mean check the tech section im new to this page

 

[Jasonergle03]

I need some help I have a 1989 ranger 4wd automatic with the 2.9 I found a 92 explorer 4wd automatic with the 4.0 I want to swap it over into my ranger what all do I have to do about wiring do I have to take the computer and all out the explorer and put in my ranger or not ?

Or could I use a harness from a 1990 ranger and will that be plug and play ?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

What do you mean check the tech section im new to this page

I'm on my phone so can't describe exactly where to find the button to click. If memory serves its at the top of every page, 3rd blue button from the left. But we recently changed forum hosts so that might have changed too.
Here is a link;

How To Add Factory Power Doors - The Ranger Station

Original Poster: John H. AKA wvcat Difficulty: 7 out of 10 Time to install: Approximately 6-8hrs Disclaimer: Activities and vehicle modifications appearing or described at The Ranger Station and it’s pages may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Son.

The 2.9 is not the problem.

It is mated to an abomination.

Remove automatic.

Replace with manual.

If you are near Pittsburgh, I will give you a free FM146 with a master overhaul kit.

You take care of that 2.9, it'll take care of you. 4.0 heads break just as often as 2.9, don't listen to the hype.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

My 2.9:

To put it bluntly, there aint a 4.0 ohv I wouldn't put up against.

 

[Jasonergle03]

Son.

The 2.9 is not the problem.

It is mated to an abomination.

Remove automatic.

Replace with manual.

If you are near Pittsburgh, I will give you a free FM146 with a master overhaul kit.

You take care of that 2.9, it'll take care of you. 4.0 heads break just as often as 2.9, don't listen to the hype.

I’m getting rid of this 2.9 it’s nothing but problems someone has drove it hard asf and the block is messed up and I need more power anyway going to get a explorer to do the swap with

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I’m getting rid of this 2.9 it’s nothing but problems someone has drove it hard asf and the block is messed up and I need more power anyway going to get a explorer to do the swap with

Lol.

4.0 cannot handle revs. 5000 is your absolute max on a ohv.

2.9 is capable of 6500 with low line ARP rod bolts, 7000 with re-worked rods.

To each their own, but my 4.0 OHV is in the scrap heap for a reason.

My 2.9 in the video was abused senseless. Slapped ProStar heads on it, fed it methanol, wrote a tune, and sent it down the road.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

@PetroleumJunkie412
Your in a fairly elite class in that you have the money and time to work thru the issues the 2.9 have. You've done a he'll of a job too. After seeing what you've done I will be more inclined to give the 2.9 another go. But seems OP needs a simpler fix, and a 4.0 swap is well documented and fairly easy and cheap.

 

[BlackBII]

'89 to '92 is a simple swap

If you swap the dashboard it'll be really easy. If not you'll need to do a little bit of wiring. I can post the diagrams later

 

[BlackBII]

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