2.9L vs 289

[Tazmain]

Sorry the " R18" wasn't what I ment, I was thinking 16's or 17's .

Well I've found a 4.0L that needs some work for cheap, but I'm still debating on the 4.0L or my 2.9L, either way it will be completely rebuilt. Just not sure if my 2.9L will push the dana 44's with 32" tires and a 16 or 17 inch rim..

 

[Tazmain]

I would be more concerned about that huge winch than the engine. Together they could be significant though.

Well I was thinking about getting either the 12,000lb or the 9,000lb winches but they say bigger is better, and I couldn't pass up on the price of the 12,000lb when it was on sale, it was the same as the 9,000lb..

 

[Tazmain]

So my father keeps telling me to just go buy a 4x4 instead of making my 4x2 into a 4x4.
But if I build it then I know everything about it if anything breaks.

 

[fastpakr]

You can learn plenty about a 4x4 without tearing a 4x2 frame down to convert to 4x4. Seriously - it's a major, major project. You could do it the SAS way, but then you get into engineering it correctly which is it's own can of worms to deal with. I'm with your dad on this one.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If the body is in really good shape or if you are really attached to it you could just do a cab swap too.

Really if you really want 4wd being a 2wd with a dead engine your current truck doesn't have much else to offer you at this point.

More reading on engine swaps and front suspensions/axles can be found here:

Ford Ranger Tech (1983-2011) - The Ranger Station

DISCLAIMER: Activities and vehicle modifications appearing or described at The Ranger Station and it’s pages may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for others or recommend it to any particular person – we simply describe … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Snoranger]

Your father is a wise man... you should listen to him.

 

[JohnnyO]

depends what you want to do but a 289 is old tech. unless it's a matter that you have one laying around anyway. the last year they made the 289 was 1968 i think, so the newest one you will find is going to be 52 years old. more parts and easier to make torque and hp with a 302. also if you have to pass emissions where you live, a 289 ain't gonna pass.

 

[Tazmain]

Okay cool, thanks everyone again for the input and ideas, they really help me figure out the best way to go. God bless and hope everyone has a great weekend.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Don’t know how it is around you, but it might be worth looking for an older 4x4 to use off-road. Not that I’m against converting to 4x4, but it will be a major project. I’ve never spent more than $340 on a Bronco II for original purchase price. I scrapped two (literally stripped every possible useable part first) and sold one. Still have two and a small mountain of parts. I don’t need any more projects right now, but I’ve considered the idea of a cheap older Explorer to build for trails, a Sport 2-door would be only slightly longer than a BII and comes factory with a 4.0, 8.8 and D-35 which is a good combination. Granted the 302 is kind of a Mr. Potatohead of the engine world, the aftermarket for them is pretty extensive, but you can find Explorers with those too....