302 swap need opinions

[ranger8800]

so ive been building my 88 4x4 ranger for the last few months. got it lifted, tires, rebuilt tranny, blah blah blah... and im not sure about this 2.9, it seems kind of funky. the oil pressure varies quite a bit just idling, burns oil, and may have some valve problems. now my buddy just got done building his mustang and has a decent 302 sitting in his garage that he's really wanting to get rid of.

wondering about...
- will an a4ld(450 miles on rebuild) hold up?
- will 7.5" rear and d28 front hold up?
- will 2.9 radiator work?
- will the 2.9 starter turnover the 302?

PRICE(big one for me) how much would i expect to pay for...
- 302: virgin block with everything except carb
- avenger truck carb
- have already priced out adapter kit at about $225

 

[baddad457]

Question 1. NO. 2. yes. 3. no. 4. no 5. it'll cost whatever you're willing to pay. 6. same answer. 7. don't waste your $225. Spend more time doing research and you'll get better answers.

 

[projectnitemare]

Sometimes the A4LD is marginal at best even behind a V6. Cut you losses on that one. Yes the 7.5 and the dana 28 can hold be don't be suprised when you break; especially the front. A 2.9L rad will never cool a V8, some use the HD 4.0L rad but I prefer to use the biggest one possible. You'll need a new starter reguardless. As far as price the best answer...it depends. What do you want to do to the engine, time frame and so on. As far as spending money on kits, its a waste of time and money that can be spend elsewhere on better parts.

Matt

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

3rd all that

 

[bobbywalter]

its not a simple answer.

but can be simple and cost effective at the same time.

 

[Hahnsb2]

You may want to look into a 4.0 swap as well as it's a little more bolt in friendly which sounds like what you're aiming for.. I don't know about you but I sure as hell wouldn't put up with a carb off-road either.

 

[wade]

Avoid "kits"! A single item in the so called "kit" may work really well for you. The rest of the kit will turn out to be eBay fodder. Different "kits" - different eBay fodder! Research, and buy your parts separately. Your money is much more wisely spent following baddad and nitemare's advice.