2.5L to 289 swap?

[SpaceTruckin]

I'm new so I'm hoping I post this in the right place. I'm getting ready to swap engines here and I'm hoping I'm not getting in over my head so I could use a little guidance. Here's what I have, My truck is a 2001 Ranger 2wd reg cab, 2.5L and a 5 speed. The motor I have is a 2bbl 289 out of a 67 failaine with 68k. The transmission I'm wanting to use would be a 5 speed out of a late 80's fox body mustang, I got a few leads on some but aint made a purchase yet. I want to keep a standard trans with O/D and I'm not sure what else would fit and use a hydraulic clutch. I'm going to buy mounts for a 5.0L explorer and the oil pan and sump but not sure on the clearance. I'm also planning on running the explorer 5.0 exhaust manifolds. The Radiator is one from a 4.0L Ranger, it should be enough. I should be able to keep all my gauges functional minus the tach, which aint a big deal. So far as the engine accessories go the power steering won't be bad and I'm yankin the A/C. What Im most concerned about on this part is the alternator. What can I use that will retain the same plugs and wont be a pain to mount? This ain't going to be a saturday night drag special, more or less a daily driver I can rip around in if I feel the need. Thanks

 

[baddad457]

The Explorer accessories won't bolt up to the 289 heads. To use the Explorer oilpan on a 289, you'll have to install an oil dipstick tube in the pan and plug the 289's oil dipstick tube. You're far better off getting a complete Explorer motor to do the swap.

 

[SpaceTruckin]

Thank you for the info, I've owned nothing but Chevy's till now so it's definently a learning experience. There's a 2000 Merc Mountianeer V8 in a junk yard not to far from here, I'm going to assume that's the same animal? If that were to be a bust, what year and up 5.0 should I look for?

 

[Mac]

It's the same animal as the Explorer. Going with the later 5.0L is going to make the swap a whole lot easier. Found this thread that has some good info in it, check out post #4 for the motor mounts and additional info.
Dave of the Nord
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108626

 

[baddad457]

Yep. Mountaineer--Explorer = same--same.