302 Swap 83 Ranger

[Lift]

This first vehicle i ever got was a 1983 2wd blue 2.8L Ford ranger, Automatic. I received it as a project to fix it and drive it for when i got my license. It just never ran right. I Did a valve adjustment, compression test had great compression, adjusted the timing, new spark plugs wires, cap and rotor and distributor. Rebuilt the carb and it just seems to keep struggling to run it wont stay running and when we can get it to run, it has no power. So it sat and i bought my 91 4x4 ranger 4.0L. I had it for a while then i traded it for an import for gas mileage.


I just recently decided i would like to make it my senior project to drop a 302 and a t5 transmission in it. And Maybe customize the inside and put some fat tires on the back for fun =P.


I have never done a swap like this before, so i have a few questions.

1. I know there are mounting brackets that you can order for about $100 or so to mount the 302, But is there any fabricating involved in those mounts?

2.Will the t5 transmission match up with the 302?

3.I have no idea how to do a Auto to standard swap . Dont Tell me not to do it because i am going to as it is on my list xD.

4.What rear axle does the 83 2wd ranger have? My Father said it should have the 8.8 is that correct? and if it doesnt should i do an axle swap?

5. Do i have to keep that smog shit?

Thanks

Sean~

 

[originalnitro]

1- I used advance adapters kit with motor mounts on my father-in-laws 88, where the plate bolts to the crossmember we had to drill 1 hole.

2- T5 will match IIRC

3- AUTO would be an easier swap. You'll want to find a donor truck to get the pedal assembly and other parts that run down to a manual trans.

4- Unless someone has changed rear ends it should be a 7.5"
You'll be fine with either I ran a 7.5 for years behind my old mild 306. They are stronger than most think. Ford didn't start putting the 8.8 in the mustangs gt's until the mid 80s.

5- The emission shit will depend on your state laws. Check them online. You maybe exempt because of the age of your truck.

 

[BLOODBANE]

Best thing I can tell you is read everything you can on the 302/5.0 swap. Everybody seems to run into different things with their swap(thats what makes it THEIR swap).
As far as motor mounts, there are a few different companies that make mounts, so its basically your choice of who you would want to go with(the search function here works great for finding what works and what doesnt).
Emissions- best bet is find a vehicle(newer model than your 83) and buy it whole. Take everything(yes even the emissions crap). As long as it is a later year and has all the emissions for that year, it should pass emissions testing(this is from my understanding, I dont have emissions here, so I can't say for positive).
The 83 will have the 7.5. You being, I take it a High schooler, I would find a 8.8 out of a newer Ranger. It will be bolt in except for the driveshaft flange. I ran a 7.5 for a bit in my 84, but never did trust it fully. I was in high school once and I know how you will drive it on occasion(not being mean or judgmental here, just realistic)
Just a few things to start with. I enjoyed doing most of my swap, but things will come up that are a real pain to try and figure out. Good luck with this and keep us posted(take lots of pics)

 

[ChrisR1S]

1. Stock mustang mounts will work. They're less than $50 for the pair and you will have to drill holes but its no biggie. Do a search and there are plenty of detailed threads on how to mark and drill your holes.
2. T5 will work with a 302. If you look hard enough you can find them in the salvage yard still paired together in foxbody mustangs. Look for a world class T5 for strength issues.
3. Auto wouldn't be an issue. get a automatic pedal assembly out of a similar year ranger bolt it in, get a floor shifter, hook up your trans cables and whatnot.
4. 7.5" would be the stock rear in your truck. I killed mine with the wimpy 3.0 so I'd go ahead and look for an 8.8". Preferably a disc unit from an explorer.
5. Depends on where you live. Everything here is just visual inspections, no smog