1st and 2nd Gen differences?

[Mark_88]

I am in the process of doing an engine swap...2.3 to 3.0...and the truck I am considering buying is a 92...the engine I'm sure will go but I will probably have to swap in the dash...and I've heard that this works out because there were not many changes...anyone that can confirm this?

As an added bonus, the doors are actually in better shape than mine inside and out...except the drivers' door needs work on the latch...the box is in great shape too...but the frame looks like chocolate layer cake with chocolate shavings all over the top of it...

not sure how the body remained in such good shape and the frame looks like doggy doo...

 

[87 XLT]

Man all that trouble to swap in a 3.0? I would wait until you find a good deal on a 4.0 ranger and swap that...

 

[Mark_88]

Yes, that's a consideration, and I found a few 4.0 motors...and I thought about it, but they either don't have a transmission or the body style is different with no useable parts otherwise.

I am getting the whole truck with a decent body and all the wiring, computer, transmission, and motor in one package...for less than I'd pay just for the 4.0...

If I could wait for an engine I'd wait for the 2.3 because it would require no other changes...but time is running out on my 2.3 and I have to make the move...

 

[adsm08]

It will work just fine.

If you have the time and patience it actually isn't that hard to repin the gen 2 dash to work the gen 1 dash, but it's probably less work to bolt the newer dash to the old truck.

 

[Mark_88]

Thanks! That was the information I was looking for...now just a matter of the drive shaft...I have the two piece...

Does anyone know if the 2.3 spindle will fit in a 3.0 transmission or do I have to find a drive shaft from a 3.0 extended cab? I was thinking about going one piece some day anyway so I might go find one next week to have everything I need...except that million dollars...

 

[adsm08]

If you aren't running an A4LD or an M5OD the 3.0 trans will be longer than your existing unit. Now would be the time to go one-piece.

 

[Gilbee01]

Mark the 3.0 from the 2.3 would be ( in my opinion) a waste if time. You will lose mpg and only gain minimal power increase. If you want something that is for muffing use the 4.0 . If you are looking for economy keep the 2.3 and you may want to look into adding a Chevy TB. It's in one of the build forums.


-gil-

 

[Gilbee01]

Also just remembered that the 2.3 is an I-4 and the 3.0 is a v6 .. Motor mounts will or should be different. You will prob have to mod more than you think.


-gil-

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Also just remembered that the 2.3 is an I-4 and the 3.0 is a v6 .. Motor mounts will or should be different. You will prob have to mod more than you think.


-gil-

About the same work as putting any other engine in. Nothing aside from another I4 will simply bolt in. Anything else will require different mounts and trans. Anything EFI will require wiring.

I think he is looking for a fresher engine more than anything else.

 

[Mark_88]

If you aren't running an A4LD or an M5OD the 3.0 trans will be longer than your existing unit. Now would be the time to go one-piece.

I have the M5OD with my 2.3 but I know where there is a 3.0 extended cab with a drive shaft so I might go grab it this week...might meaning if I actually buy the 92 Ranger...

Also just remembered that the 2.3 is an I-4 and the 3.0 is a v6 .. Motor mounts will or should be different. You will prob have to mod more than you think.
-gil-

I had the 2.9 in this truck and had to swap motor mounts for that...I guess it's a matter of whether the 2.9 and 3.0 mounts are in the same place...

I think he is looking for a fresher engine more than anything else.

Ah, finally someone understands me! lol...yes, I just want an engine that doesn't smoke and doesn't use tons of oil...even if the 3.slow is modestly more powerful (how underpowered the carbed version is) than what I have I will be happy...

I promise!

 

[Mark_88]

I found another 2.3 last week and they didn't get back to me till yesterday...it is from a 90 or 91 Mustang and they said it is "a good engine". This is the same place that sold me the current short block and they were asking $450 for the motor...

I talked to the guy last week and said that the short block I have in the truck came from them and it only had 140,000 km and I paid $150 for it...and that I had only put about 50,000 km on since installing it and it had serious blow-by...also that I was willing to buy the other engine but not at that price considering the one I have is a dog...so they offered to drop the price to $300 which will actually save me quite a bit of money...if it is a good engine.

So I am now trying to come up with the $300...I have a friend standing by waiting to install the engine with me so it should be a go in the next week or so...

Depending on how it turns out though...and I just discovered something in my "oil catch can" that is flawed...there is no actual way to put a vacuum line to the intake to draw off the excess without burning oil in the process...at least, not with the current filtration system that I am using...