302 swap in progress

[coryg]

ok guys... the ol 2.3s outta the ranger and soon ill be gettin ready to drop the 302 in.... anyone got any tips for me??? things to look out for, and what not to do????

 

[Mutant Pony]

I just wanted to say, this is not something to take lightly. This swap is a lot of work, although not that difficult. Many people start the job and give up before it ever gets put back together.
My suggestion to anyone wanting to swap in a 5.0 is to buy a kit. It can be done cheaper but, once you have committed to buying the kit you are more likely to finish it. Also the kit reduces the frustration level!

 

[coryg]

a buddy of mine will be helpin me an hes done a few v8 swaps into rangers but were really weanting to pull this truck together on a very tight junkyard budget. no money for kits here just a few broke asses buildin a bad ass truck...

 

[Mutant Pony]

I've done it a couple times. lots of work. There is a section in the tech library to answer all the FAQs. Any snags you may run into can be answered here.
The only money I have into my '84 Ranger is the torque converter ($300), the rest is all cutting, welding and fitting JY parts.

 

[red85]

I don't have much money into my 302 conversion. I reall only put money out for an intake, mounts and an oil filter relocation kit. The rest of it was elbow grease. I'm always tweaking it a little here and there - that's where I've spent a few $$$. If you just want to get a v8 in there and have something that runs you can do it pretty cheaply.

 

[coryg]

I don't have much money into my 302 conversion. I reall only put money out for an intake, mounts and an oil filter relocation kit. The rest of it was elbow grease. I'm always tweaking it a little here and there - that's where I've spent a few $$$. If you just want to get a v8 in there and have something that runs you can do it pretty cheaply.

thats the plan pretty much.. were just gonna be usin parts the we find around where we live and trying to spend the lowest amount possible....
then maybe when i get some more cash saved up build up the motor and make it a strip truck but for now i just want a quick weekend truck

 

[baddad457]

ok guys... the ol 2.3s outta the ranger and soon ill be gettin ready to drop the 302 in.... anyone got any tips for me??? things to look out for, and what not to do????

Most guys ask these questons BEFORE THEY START THE SWAP Kinda like diving into an empty swimming pool here.

 

[coryg]

just asking to see if there were any tricks or tips to make this a little easier...

 

[Iron Ranger]

Research, forums, questions, and hopefully answers.






Oh, and a really big hammer helps too.

 

[coryg]

Most guys ask these questons BEFORE THEY START THE SWAP Kinda like diving into an empty swimming pool here.

yeah well its pretty much how it happened. one day we were just looking at it thinking about what to work on next, next thing ya know rangers in the shop gettin gutted....

 

[88302Camotruck]

I didnt buy a kit but parts. I bought the mounts, oil relocator kit, radiator, 5.0 V-8 manifolds and the trans adapter for the AOD.... Had a donor car with all the other goods.... Made my own exhaust and the other stuff. Not to bad on price....

 

[doorgunner]

Most guys ask these questons BEFORE THEY START THE SWAP Kinda like diving into an empty swimming pool here.

baddad.................why, i thought that kind of reply was meant just for me about 2 years ago!!!!!!!!!!Waaaaaaahahahahahahaa

 

[baddad457]

Research, forums, questions, and hopefully answers.






Oh, and a really big hammer helps too.

GOOD ANSWER !!!

 

[baddad457]

just asking to see if there were any tricks or tips to make this a little easier...

Well it's kinda hard to do a commentary, not knowin exactly what y'all removed.

 

[coryg]

Well it's kinda hard to do a commentary, not knowin exactly what y'all removed.

well... ok.... the complete wiring harness is out, as well as the motor and tranny., the gas tank is out and the rear end is off as well. what i am doing is dropping a 5.0 with the gt40p top end in the truck. i have the complete wiring harness. a new notched heater box and an aod as well as a 9 inch rear with 3.73s and discs..i have the swap motor mounts and a new tranny crossmember as well.
im used to bring vehicles back to stock. not really experienced in the game of doing something this crazy.
i guess another big question of mine would be..... what kind of suspension mods would be the best for a straight line combo be?