302,toploader 4 speed in 89 2wd ranger

[warmachine]

i am planning to build a 302 with a toploader 4 speed and possibly a rearend from a 68 mustang in a 89 2wd ranger and was wondering about what flywheel combo might work and what kind of driveshaft would work and also if the rearend would fit under the ranger?

 

[sparky]

Well if the engine is before 1981 (around that time frame) you will need a 28 oz imbalance flywheel, after that year you will need a 50oz flywheel. When you find a toploader keep the slip yoke, you will probalbly have to have a driveshaft made for your application. As for as the rear,i don't know if it will fit, you may be better off finding a 8.8 out of another ranger that will bee a bolt in. Hope this helps, good luck with your project.

 

[baddad457]

I have a Toploader 4 speed in my 89 Ranger. I used the stock aluminum 1960's Toploader bell, with a McCleod hydraulic throwout bearing and the Ranger's 7/8 bore master cylinder.The flywheel in it now is a Ford 157 tooth 50 oz/in for a 80-90's Mustang. I used it for a few years with the stock Ranger driveshaft (2 piece) and the original 7.5 rear. All you need it mate the Toploader slip yoke to the Ranger shaft is a combination U joint. Your local parts house has these. After about a year or two, the 7.5 rear started leaking at the right axle seal, I then swapped in a Ranger 8.8 with 3.08's. Later I bought an Explorer 8.8 with 3.73's and trac-loc then had it narrowed to 52" to fit the 15 x 10 aluminum slot wheels in the fenderwells. The Toploader is a 60's wide ratio small block unit, but I swapped the tailshaft housing to a 390Mustang/Fairlane tailhousing to move the shifter forward. Even then I still had to do some floor surgery to clear the Hurst Competition Plus shifter.

 

[warmachine]

cool thx baddad.thank u too sparky.i already have toploader bought whole 68 stang with it had 351w gonna give that to my buddy whos bldg 80 bronco and take his 302 mate it to toploader and slide in.easy enuff right?