2.9 vs 4.0 swap??

[huey]

I have a 86 ranger 2.9 4x4 and it went down bad block and im kinda on a budget at moment and i have a complete 4.0 that had a bent rod. is it possilbe to either. A. use the rods out of 2.9 on my 4.0 and put in 86 ranger(is it possible)? or B just find 4.0 rod and put 4.0 engine in my 86 ranger? and also will my distributor out of my 86 work in the 95 4.0 block with the cam? any info will b highly appreciated.

 

[03ranger4x4]

Not sure about the conrods from the 2.9 going into the 4.0, be since I have heard the OHV 4.0 referred to as a bored and stroked 2.9L I am going to say they probably are not the correct size. Its very rare parts such of these transfer over to different motors seeing how specific they really need to be.


I can answer your question 100% about distributor however, and unfortunately that would be a NO. All the way from the first 4.0 v6 that rolled off the line in 1990 to the last 2011 4.0 v6 made has the distributor-less ignition system. What takes the place of the distributor is a coil pack, which is controlled directly by the ECM. The best route is to get that coil pack for the 4.0 (it mounts directly to the motor, so maybe you already have it?) Also you will need to get the 4.0 v6 wiring harness and ECM. Trying to give your 4.0 a distributor and trying to get the 2.9 harness and ECM to work on it just seems like way to much hassle with way to much to go wrong. Going to a scrap yard and getting the parts you need will make your swap ten times easier.

 

[adsm08]

And how damaged in the block that bent the rod? Even if it "looks ok" that is a lot of really specific clearance that needs to be measured out and checked for damage before trying to repair the engine.

 

[huey]

well i didnt know if any of this would work i had been told i could take the distributorless pickup out and put a distributor in it and just use the 4.0 block and heads and all my 2.9 intake and junk was what i was wandering if it was true guess not i was just trying to find a cheap and kinda neat way to get out lol

 

[adsm08]

i had been told i could take the distributorless pickup out and put a distributor in it and just use the 4.0 block and heads and all my 2.9 intake and junk

Well go find whoever told you that and kick him in the balls.