2.8 to 4.0

[86 Ranger 5.0]

How hard would it be to put a 4.0 and its 5 speed transmission from 95 4x4 explorer into an 83 2wd manual ranger.

 

[RonD]

If you want the 4x4 part it would add an extra layer of difficulty, swapping both axles, and 4x4 control system.

The '83 and '95 fuel systems and electric wiring are not compatible so you will need pretty much everything from the '95 including the instrument panel, not just engine and trans.
The 2.9l engine was the same block as the 4.0l, 2.9l's were also used in later models so those swaps were much less complicated, not easy just less complicated.
2.8l is not related to 4.0l.

Since the swap will involve changing so much you may want to look into a V8 swap as an option.
2.8l was 115horsepower
4.0l 160HP
5.0l 210HP

4.0l or 5.0l swap will cost the same in time and money, 5.0l might actually cost less depending on your choice of ignition and fuel systems, the 5.0l(302) has more options than the 4.0l for these systems.
I.e. 2.8l has carb and distributor, 5.0l can be carb and/or distributor, 4.0l can not, well not inexpensively, lol.

Good article here on V8 swap to '83 Ranger:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.shtml


You may want to follow this thread to see some pointers:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=151117