351 C.....yeah i know

[fordwheelinman]

I know someone is prolly gonna rag on me or call me an idiot, so let me first say, if your gonna do that, dont bother posting.


NOW to the real question. Has anyone ever successfully put a 351C into a first gen ranger? We have an 88 2wd regular cab that doesnt get driven much, and we have 2 complete 351C engines just sitting out in the garage begging to be put in something. And we are running out of space. Anywho, can it be done? Yes i know they are dimensionally different from the windsor engines, but can anybody tell me in what ways? The ranger doesnt get driven very often, so i figure when it does, why not make it fun? ALSO is there and easy way to adapt the rangers hydraulic clutch to work with the mechanical linkage that we have with a 3 speed tranny? Help would be appreciated.

 

[v-8power]

I know i have seen it done. It was a silver ranger if i remember right.

The guy put his leaf springs to the inside of the frame is why i remember the truck.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

what exactly are you asking? if it'll fit? or are you looking for swap-specific details.

theres no doubt it'll fit. ive seen big blocks and 4.6's in a ranger frame, and those are both much bigger then a 351.

 

[Mutant Pony]

I put a 351c in a 2wd Ranger. Then I put EB axles under it so it is 4wd now. I don't think I can help you much because I hand fabbed everything. I used a set of used headers that I don't know what they were designed to fit, then fit the frame to the headers. I used a manual steering box and sectioned the frame to relocate the box farther out. I used the short 1/2 quart oil filter at first but, then went to a remote filter. I found that different companies filters were different lengths so not all would fit.
The fox body oil pan should fit but, they are only aftermarket and pricey. The small block/Ranger motor mounts should work.
Fitting a 302 is tight at the radiator, The "c" is about 2 1/2" longer. My water pump is 1/2" away from the Radiator which is moved forward as well.
I also used an Aerostar steering shaft to gain clearance at the #5 header primary. It still rubs a little.
I don't think it is possible without a welder and torch but, It is possible and not much harder than a 351w.

 

[baddad457]

There is another that has a 351C ranger, I think 351C is his screen name, or it has that as part of it. The overall length should be about the same as a 302. They share the same bore spacing and the timing cover extension is similarly sized. The waterpumps are also the same depth. The heater/AC box will have to go though.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Mine has a complete, functioning heater.

 

[baddad457]

But did it also have A/C ? Or heater only ? If the latter, I can see keeping it, the housings are completely different.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

are you sure about that?

thats something ive often wondered about...so ive been checking it out as of late whenever a ranger comes through the shop. so far ive only seen '95+ rigs, but the non-a/c trucks have the same blower housing...they just didnt cut out the molded exits for the evaporator tubing.

 

[baddad457]

The early Rangers had a different housing on the non A/C trucks.

 

[projectnitemare]

Yeah the non A/C heater box is about half the size. It only needs a little notching to fit a V8 and keep the heater. Don't know if they can be swapped onto newer trucks; I haven't thought of it until now.

Matt

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I tried taking the non A/C one off my '86 parts truck, even without the front clip or an engine in the truck it was a pain. I decided that I would probably never need it anyway and it went to the junkyard with the cab.

How much bigger is a 351C vs a 302/351W?

 

[baddad457]

It's about the same width as the Windsor, it has a shorter deck but wider heads. It will bolt into any car the Windsor came in, Ford used them interchangeably in the early 70's. Same engine code for both the 2 bbl versions.

 

[Psychopete]

Yeah the non A/C heater box is about half the size.

Yes, it was nice that they did that, too. I am glad I have a non-A/C equipped Ranger, less for me to rip out . It gets a little hot here, but I don't even think we broke 100 this year.

Pete

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

The early Rangers had a different housing on the non A/C trucks.

alright, i wasnt sure since i hadnt had the chance to check it out myself

 

[88 supercab]

Basicly a cleveland uses the same block as a 289/302,same motor mounts ,same small block bellhousing.The waterpump housing sticks out farther than a 302 so it will be longer.No headers available that i know of,you could possibly use a fox body swap oil pan.I was researching this a few years ago as i was going to do the same swap.