390 4speed

[carbman]

I bought a 1989 Ford Ranger 2.9 5spd extra cab and am now in the process of shoehorning in a 390 big block Ford and a borg-warner 4 speed. Lots of questions and hopefully available answers.
Will I have to box the frame on this puppy as I will only be putting out about 300-325 hp? I have available to me a rack and pinion front end from a Mustang, any downsides ( I need the room where the steering box is). I have available to me a 8 3/4 rear end from a 1964 Falcon with 4.10 gears, is 4.10 too low for street driving? Would an 8.8 with 3.55 gears be better?
Just purchased an 18x30 tarp building to put the project in for the next couple of years while I learn and play. Thank God for the internet and people who have been there done that for info. Looking forward to chatting with you guys on the site or by email (carbman@hotmail.com). P.S. I usually am working on building up older Honda choppers, this is a stretch. John (Carbman)

 

[Mutant Pony]

Welcome to TRS.
This subject (390 Ranger) has come up before. Try the search function above.
The mustang II front suspension would be awesome, A lot of work to get it right though.
For the rear end, I would suggest the 8.8 from an Explorer. One step better would be a custom 9". You'll have to relocate the spring perches and shock mounts on the Explorer rear end.

 

[baddad457]

The oil filter is the easy part. Canton & Trans-Dapt both make or made blocks to bolt on the motor to move the oil filter somewhere you can mount it. The B-W T10 will handle it up to a point, your traction will decide where that point is.