4.2 into a ranger

[dangerranger83]

So what models and years of the FWD 3.8's will work on the 3.0 trans? And what are the years to have too?

My dad has 3.0 auto that cant get out of its own way and want to convence him to get something that may be a bit better on power and mileage (getting 12mpgs) and it be a bolt in swap too other then wiring which is no biggy for him.

 

[mavereq]

I'm curious about the electronics. I know you can swap an explorer 5.0 in a similar year ranger and the 5.0 wiring harness will work in the ranger chassis harness. Does the same hold true for the 3.8? I have a wrecked 99 mustang donor and a 96 ranger that I want to put a twin turbo 3.8 in.

 

[adsm08]

I don't know the specifics, but it is unlikely that the engine harness from a Mustang or Windstar is just going to plug into the body harness of a Ranger. It only works with the Explorer because the two vehicles share a platform.

 

[bobbywalter]

curts from back in the day....it will be posted in these threads, and eventually detailed.

 

[nickname23]

Your talking about the pushrod 4.2 in the bubble f150?
If it's under 2000 even 1999 go for it, those engines are reliable but I'd also upgrade your front suspension and motor mounts that motor is NOT LIGHT.
Reliable

 

[bobbywalter]

Your talking about the pushrod 4.2 in the bubble f150?
If it's under 2000 even 1999 go for it, those engines are reliable but I'd also upgrade your front suspension and motor mounts that motor is NOT LIGHT.
Reliable

for a ranger suspension...that engine is nothing. the main issue is the oil pump. if that gets all replaced every 70-100k .... and good oil and change intervals and high efficiency filters are used....damn things would probably go to 5-600k no problem.


compared to the cyclone 3.7 or 3.5 though.....they are slugs. definitely easier to fit and use though.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I always heard the 4.2 was a pile of shit

 

[bobbywalter]

I always heard the 4.2 was a pile of shit

i seen alot of jelly beans with manuals go 350k. but.....i also seen alot of locked up pumps.

so no way i am swapping one. all the problems of a v8 swap.....none of the benefits.

the cyclone otoh.....those are fargin monsters....add a turbo and some injectors...big pump and hp tuners....and your whooping any 302s ass.

 

[nickname23]

I always heard the 4.2 was a pile of shit

Depends on how it was maintained it was the last thing to start having issues to be honest.
But her dad was a mechanic so he never skipped fixing things it lasted quite a long time regret giving it up
Although hers was a 1999 so I'm sure a lot was changed on the design before it was phased out of production.

It never blew a head just warped from intake gaskets, only rebuilt once, then again it was maintained and wasn't pushed beyond it's operating limits either like many people did.
It was never a powerhouse it was meant to last, kinda sad it grew a bad reputation the later models are very reliable.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

in it was maintained and wasn't pushed beyond it's operating limits either like many people did.
It was never a powerhouse it was meant to last, kinda sad it grew a bad reputation the later models are very reliable.

Ive never owned one...but i know alot of people that have and have heard the reputation which is why i brought it up.

I kinda wonder if people were kinda expecting another 300 I6 and the 4.2 fell short?

i seen alot of jelly beans with manuals go 350k. but.....i also seen alot of locked up pumps.

so no way i am swapping one. all the problems of a v8 swap.....none of the benefits.

the cyclone otoh.....those are fargin monsters....add a turbo and some injectors...big pump and hp tuners....and your whooping any 302s ass.

Which one were the cyclones? Were those the base V6's that came inbetween the old 4.2 and the current 3.3? Like early 2010ish?

 

[bobbywalter]

yes. 3.7 and 3.5. its a ecoboost bottom with regular injection. will take an ass whoopin.


f150 and mustang units are easy to swap in relatives.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

yes. 3.7 and 3.5. its a ecoboost bottom with regular injection. will take an ass whoopin.


f150 and mustang units are easy to swap in relatives.

Then whats the current 3.3? Isnt that a 5.0 with 2 cylinders hacked off?

 

[bobbywalter]

no. there are nanos and cyclones. they go 3.3 to 3.7 in cyclones and the nanos are the 2.7 and 3.0


there may be a 4.2 cyclone or 3.0 cyclone... but who knows what the clowns at the top will let out.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

no. there are nanos and cyclones. they go 3.3 to 3.7 in cyclones and the nanos are the 2.7 and 3.0


there may be a 4.2 cyclone or 3.0 cyclone... but who knows what the clowns at the top will let out.

Gotcha