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351W Conversion


Not sure how much heavier the 351 is vs the 302 but the 302 has to be lighter and in turn easier on gas, parts and on the trail, start thinking gearing.

Since you are going to be driving this as a DD then think about this, some really good trail rigs are 4 cylinders, not V-8s, so maybe you need to reevaluate and think gearing, transmission vs Transfer case and HD Diffs, stick to a 2.9/4.0L; maybe a turbo...

Sorry for not being more help on the 351 but IMHO it is a good engine in the right place it is not the best for a Ranger or for that matter on the trail.

Luck on your choice,
 
Are you absolutely set on having a 5 speed? There are other options if you don't mind a 4 speed...T18, T19, NP435 are good ones and all available in 4x4 versions. They're pretty easy to find and just about bulletproof.

i was going for a 5spd, just because it would be easiest for me since i honestly dont know alot about mechanics. so if you know of a 5spd for a 4x4 let me know.

thanks
 
Not sure how much heavier the 351 is vs the 302 but the 302 has to be lighter and in turn easier on gas, parts and on the trail, start thinking gearing.

Since you are going to be driving this as a DD then think about this, some really good trail rigs are 4 cylinders, not V-8s, so maybe you need to reevaluate and think gearing, transmission vs Transfer case and HD Diffs, stick to a 2.9/4.0L; maybe a turbo...

Sorry for not being more help on the 351 but IMHO it is a good engine in the right place it is not the best for a Ranger or for that matter on the trail.

Luck on your choice,

im keeping the 3.0 in my DD. i just want to put in a 351W in my 4x4 because the motor is blown(again) and i was just wanting to do some weekend trailing.(BTW i dont have my license yet and wont have complete ownership of the 4x4 for about another 2yrs)
 
I'd go with a mildly built 351 W, then I would either go ZF or NP435. To hell with slow shifts, suck it up, its gunna be a rocket ship with that Windsor anyhow. Throw in a big bearing 9" and a chromoly shafted Dana 44 with the right gears for tire size/lift and you'd be good to go.
 
If we are go'n "Wish List" then yup I'm with ya; 9", D44 w/D60 outer shafts and knuckles, big axles, lockers, diff guards, big tires, low gears, doubler transfer case, etc, etc, etc, BUT as usual I live in the real world and $$$ is short for this stuff.
But in reality what is needed is a conservative trail rig that is easy on the pocket book, readily repairable yet powerful enough to satisfy the inner urge...

351 is nice, long stroke (compared to the 302) good torque and mild HP stock.
302 less torque can have good HP but good torque especially with good gearing and lets face it trail work is gearing.
351 will tear up most transmissions except HD Manuals ($$$) and automatics in good condition.
302 can tear up trans but usually not, can be put behind just about any transmissions out there that will bolt up.
351 bigger (wider), heavier, harder to cool, more mods needed to fit in a Ranger Chassis
302 almost a bolt in with a good donor vehicle (V-8 Ex/Mountaineer or 'early 90s Stang, less mods to fit, smaller and lighter.

CSyd77,
Since you have time to gather all of the parts, decide what you want for real, look at cost, adapters, radiator mods needed (a 351 could use a radiator in the bed for trail use), and look for a donor vehicle.
If 5.0L, an early 90s Stang w/ 5 sp, will have the engine and separate engine harness you will need.
A V-8 Ex/Mountaineer will have the engine/trans/good heads & Intake but the Engine harness will have to be separated, although there are after market harness that will work.
Again, it has to come back to you, you need to determine what you want, what you can repair if needed when and where, and last but not least how much you can and want to afford to build and upkeep this rig.
Big engine, big axles, big lifts are great until they break or need upkeep.

Until you make up your mind on what you want review, review, review, make a list, check it twice so to speak and recheck it. Good Points vs the bad points of each setup.

If you can't tell I am a fan of smaller V-8 engines with proper gearing and decent HP, well not too small.
When I get tired of the 3.0L (getting close) I am hoping for a 289 Cu in SB Ford in the Ranger Edge. This is almost the same as the new 4.6 in cubic inches but in the older engine style, same block as the 5.0L but shorter stroke and longer HD connecting rods.
If you are trying to impress someone think about doing the same thing they are with an engine half their size and the proper gearing to tire ratios.

Take your time, think about it, and do it right the first time.

Again, sorry if this is too much info but I get a little carried away.

Luck on the swap.
 
Last edited:
I am still voting 347 with an E 303 cam or a stock mustang roller cam....... that would put you in the 300 ft/lb and 205 hp range.
 
If we are go'n "Wish List" then yup I'm with ya; 9", D44 w/D60 outer shafts and knuckles, big axles, lockers, diff guards, big tires, low gears, doubler transfer case, etc, etc, etc, BUT as usual I live in the real world and $$$ is short for this stuff.
But in reality what is needed is a conservative trail rig that is easy on the pocket book, readily repairable yet powerful enough to satisfy the inner urge...

351 is nice, long stroke (compared to the 302) good torque and mild HP stock.
302 less torque can have good HP but good torque especially with good gearing and lets face it trail work is gearing.
351 will tear up most transmissions except HD Manuals ($$$) and automatics in good condition.
302 can tear up trans but usually not, can be put behind just about any transmissions out there that will bolt up.
351 bigger (wider), heavier, harder to cool, more mods needed to fit in a Ranger Chassis
302 almost a bolt in with a good donor vehicle (V-8 Ex/Mountaineer or 'early 90s Stang, less mods to fit, smaller and lighter.

CSyd77,
Since you have time to gather all of the parts, decide what you want for real, look at cost, adapters, radiator mods needed (a 351 could use a radiator in the bed for trail use), and look for a donor vehicle.
If 5.0L, an early 90s Stang w/ 5 sp, will have the engine and separate engine harness you will need.
A V-8 Ex/Mountaineer will have the engine/trans/good heads & Intake but the Engine harness will have to be separated, although there are after market harness that will work.
Again, it has to come back to you, you need to determine what you want, what you can repair if needed when and where, and last but not least how much you can and want to afford to build and upkeep this rig.
Big engine, big axles, big lifts are great until they break or need upkeep.

Until you make up your mind on what you want review, review, review, make a list, check it twice so to speak and recheck it. Good Points vs the bad points of each setup.

If you can't tell I am a fan of smaller V-8 engines with proper gearing and decent HP, well not too small.
When I get tired of the 3.0L (getting close) I am hoping for a 289 Cu in SB Ford in the Ranger Edge. This is almost the same as the new 4.6 in cubic inches but in the older engine style, same block as the 5.0L but shorter stroke and longer HD connecting rods.
If you are trying to impress someone think about doing the same thing they are with an engine half their size and the proper gearing to tire ratios.

Take your time, think about it, and do it right the first time.

Again, sorry if this is too much info but I get a little carried away.

Luck on the swap.

thanks for your help.the main problems im running into right now is trying to find a tranny and transfer case, if i cant find any in my area that are decently priced ill more than likely go for a 302 out of an 80's mustang, but yet again my problem is finding a tranny and t-case in my area, but i do have about 2+ years to look for things.

thanks
 
thanks for your help.the main problems im running into right now is trying to find a tranny and transfer case, if i cant find any in my area that are decently priced ill more than likely go for a 302 out of an 80's mustang, but yet again my problem is finding a tranny and t-case in my area, but i do have about 2+ years to look for things.

thanks

Just keep your eyes open for stuff and you'll find it. Be patient. I got my 302, tranny, t-case, and EB D44 with a lot of extra stuff for a total of $300. Deals are out there, just gotta find them.
 
Just keep your eyes open for stuff and you'll find it. Be patient. I got my 302, tranny, t-case, and EB D44 with a lot of extra stuff for a total of $300. Deals are out there, just gotta find them.

so true... just make sure you have the funds available when the deal comes along... or youll miss out on it:sad: ...lol
 

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