2.3L ('83-'97) 2.3l to a 4.0 swap

[Kflee760]

I’m trying to find a video or a parts list so I can start working on trying to swap a 4.0 v6 into my 2.3l manual. Can someone please direct me in the right direction?

 

[franklin2]

A wrecked donor would be your best course of action. Especially since you are in CA, they are going to want everything factory and everything working. And the engine will need to be the same year or later, and probably need all the CA smog on it, not the Fed smog. I am assuming you will have to get it to pass when you are done.

 

[SenorNoob]

A 97 in California. I wouldn't even attempt that without a running donor. Park em side by side and start moving things till it runs again. At the least, engine, transmission, PCM, front half of the exhaust, and maybe instrument cluster. Completely unknown how much of the wiring you'll need. At the very least what's bolted to the engine...

 

[scotts90ranger]

I agree, you're going to need the same year or newer.

The list is long, if you really want a 4.0L I'll give some big ticket items to help narrow some things down:
-Engine with exhaust
-transmission (Every Ranger engine has a different manual transmission, yes they're all M5OD's but the main casting is different)
-motor mounts including the frame side brackets and for a 4L those are going to be specific to 2 wheel drive '90-97, if you find a donor '98+ that would work too but adds extra complications
-engine computer obviously

If you find a '98 or newer the V6 models also had the PATS anti theft system which is in the dash and will need to be retained or deleted, but also in '98 they went to returnless fuel system and a higher pressure so you will need to change a bunch of that stuff too, not to mention a bunch of stuff moved like the carbon canister to under the bed and stuff...

So yes, a donor vehicle is more ideal...

 

[scotts90ranger]

Oh and for funzies Ford changed up the radiator for V6 engines, they have the in and out on opposite corners so yeah, but the right V6 radiator for that year will bolt in...