2.8L swap

[‘84Ranger]

Hey y’all. Got a 1984 ford ranger with a 2.8 v6 in it with a manual transmission. It’s 4wd. So here’s my question. My engine blew not to long ago and I am having trouble finding a new 2.8 v6 long block near me to put in it. Are there any other engines that will go in it fine and work with the same transmission that I could go with. Even if it’s a newer one with efi and I have to do wiring I’m fine with that. Honestly fuel injection would probably be better for me I just like it better. Please let me know thanks!

 

[bobbywalter]

4.0......all day every day....twice on sunday..

 

[‘84Ranger]

4.0......all day every day....twice on sunday..

So a 4.0 v6? And what years work?

 

[bobbywalter]

well. technically all of them.

 

[‘84Ranger]

well. technically all of them.

I’ll try to find one. Are they efi?

 

[‘84Ranger]

well. technically all of them.

And what do they come out of? Rangers?

 

[bobbywalter]

the older the easier.


89-91/2 will tend to be bank fire and just a crank sensor. not the most efficient. but stone cold reliable.


they are a physical bolt in. iirc you will need the 2.9/4.0 y pipe. the cat interface may be different. though by now wouldnt be surprised if that 2.8 was running wild and free.

so make sure you get a 4.0 with manual trans and flywheel and a way to have the o2 sensor.

the 4.0 is extremely problematic when you just try to mix and match years and harnesses from ranger or explorer or aerostars ect.... if you get a complete system from any one source, it should run correctly with no issues.

 

[‘84Ranger]

the older the easier.


89-91/2 will tend to be bank fire and just a crank sensor. not the most efficient. but stone cold reliable.


they are a physical bolt in. iirc you will need the 2.9/4.0 y pipe. the cat interface may be different. though by now wouldnt be surprised if that 2.8 was running wild and free.

so make sure you get a 4.0 with manual trans and flywheel and a way to have the o2 sensor.

the 4.0 is extremely problematic when you just try to mix and match years and harnesses from ranger or explorer or aerostars ect.... if you get a complete system from any one source, it should run correctly with no issues.

Is there any way I could use my tranny I have now with it?

 

[bobbywalter]

yes.

but. if its a 145....dont whoop on it.

 

[bobbywalter]

there is an engine swaps section on the site. start reading. assess what you have. then ask questions based on what your goals are.

 

[SenorNoob]

Can confirm early 4.0 is as reliable as a rock. I just scrapped one that had roughly 450,000 miles on it and still ran well. It was just lacking a little in the power department.

 

[‘84Ranger]

Can confirm early 4.0 is as reliable as a rock. I just scrapped one that had roughly 450,000 miles on it and still ran well. It was just lacking a little in the power department.

What years do you consider the early years. Sorry kinda new to this

 

[SenorNoob]

Anything pre cam position sensor. Up to 94. (94 was a changeover year.) The mechanical is the same up to 01 I think. After that they were all SOHC with some long timing chains.

 

[bobbywalter]

92 and some late 91 builds is really when they started changing for the ranger which was basically a California thing.. then explorer in 93. then the late 94 and 95 aerostars i know got them.


the rangers have a wide hit miss to 95. the explorers pretty much were steady by late 93.


the problem is sefi vs bank fire. that mix up will be an exercise in frustration.