1991 2.3 to 4.0 engine Swap

[91Dangeranger]

Hello Everyone,

I've got some questions about doing a engine swap in a 1991 Ford ranger. I would like to convert it from a 2.3 liter Lima engine to 4.0 liter V-6. So when I do the swap I am also planning to swap out the rear axle with an Explorer 8.8 inch 36 spline Axle.
What model year Ford Ranger or Explorer 4.0 Engines would work in a 1991 Ranger Platform?

Currently I have a Mazda M50D 5 Speed Manual Transmission, would this transmission work with the 4.0 engine? if not, what manual transmission do I need to get to work with the 4.0 liter engine?

I am looking for any kind of input in regards to the parts that I need to get to put on my 91 ranger to get a new engine to work. So any answers are welcome, thank you.

 

[Cody L]

Stick with a 91-94 4.0L as it is OBD 1 like your truck, you'll want the transmission from the 4.0L as well. The 2.3L transmission does not have the right bellhousing pattern. The 2.9L trans will bolt up but the gearing will not take advantage of the 4.0L torque.

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

 

[91Dangeranger]

Thank you for the reply sir. How reliable is the 4.0 liter OHV for the 90 to 94 model years? will they go 300,000 miles? Any known common issues with them?

 

[BlackBII]

The 4.0 is reliable as long as it stays cool. If they overheat, they blow head gaskets and warp heads.

You will need to get 4.0 motor mounts, and the entire engine harness. It goes from the large round plug on the drivers side, up around the engine, and down through the firewall to the computer on the passenger side kick panel. You'll need the computer as well.

I would look for a 90-92 Ranger or a 91-94 Explorer. Explorers are easy to find, because the automatic transmissions they came with were unreliable, and most people can't afford to fix them. This means that local classifieds and craigslist has tons of these Explorers with good engines at around ~$500.

 

[planeflyer21]

The 4.0 is reliable as long as it stays cool. If they overheat, they blow head gaskets and warp heads.

You will need to get 4.0 motor mounts, and the entire engine harness. It goes from the large round plug on the drivers side, up around the engine, and down through the firewall to the computer on the passenger side kick panel. You'll need the computer as well.

I would look for a 90-92 Ranger or a 91-94 Explorer. Explorers are easy to find, because the automatic transmissions they came with were unreliable, and most people can't afford to fix them. This means that local classifieds and craigslist has tons of these Explorers with good engines at around ~$500.

That's interesting. I have the 3.0 but have been looking at engine options.

BlackBII, what remedies are best for that overheating here in the desert?