2.9L to 4.0L in 87 Ranger

[hayymatt]

I have a 1987 Ranger with the 2.9L with an A4LD and a 1992 Explorer with the 4.0L and an automatic overdrive in it. I have been thinking of swapping as much as I can from the explorer to the ranger. what will swap and how much fabrication will be involved? will i notice a difference in performance? both vehicles are running right now. Thanks

 

[BlackBII]

Read these if you haven't. http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4L_Conversion.html


http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4L_Conversion2.htm
Are they both 4wd?
You can swap it all, motor, tranny, wiring harness, computer, all sensors, air box etc.
Fabrication-Minimal if any, depends on what you mean by 'fabrication'
Difference in performance- Yes, 20 more horses and 50 more ft-lbs

 

[hayymatt]

swaping 2.9 for 4.0

Thanks for the reply. I did come across those articles after I posted. Yes, they are both 4x4`s. I was wondering since the trans is rebuilt in the rangerv should I leave it in or go ahead and put the one out of the explorer in? The explorer trans has not been rebuilt but is the a4ld the same trans as what`s in the explorer with the aod in it? I had read that wiring will be different leaving the trans from the ranger in because it is pre 89?

 

[silveranger93]

The wiring won't be a straight swap unless you swap the dash too. Splicing the wiring harness is doable, but its very tedious and is a headache (I have an '87 with a 4.0 out of a '92 Explorer).

 

[abrush]

It is definetly doable but requires quite a bit of time and work. I put a 1994 explorer engine in my 1988 Bronco II. I did not swap in the explorer dash so I ended up splicing everything. It has been a few months and I haven't had any problems. I drive it everyday. You will want to get wiring manuals on both vehicles. It makes it a lot easier when it comes down to trying to figure out what wires go with what. Having both vehicles in front of you will help out quite a bit too. If you decide to do it make sure you take lots of pictures so you remember where everything goes. And yes it is definetly worth it. The power gain is substantial. If you have any questions during the swap I can help you out. Good Luck!

 

[abrush]

I forgot to answer your transmission question. I kept the a4ld out in my 1988 Bronco II. So far I haven't had any problems but I do not take it off roading or beat it. The later model trannys are built better so if you plan on doing some heavy work or towing I would suggest that you swap in the newer tranny.

 

[AKBroncoII]

http://broncoii.org/forum/index.php?topic=1758.0

NCSteve has been very helpful with my swap. I am not using the power distribution harness like most though.

 

[Njknittle]

Ahh yes. I am currently thinking of doing the same thing. A 1987 B2 insted though. No it will not take much fabrication. Maybe a little wiring. I suggest getting a Lift Kit. It would be an even easier swap for it will create more room to work with.

 

[AKBroncoII]

it's more than just a little wiring. There is less wiring in a 5.0L install.