4x4 swap?

[I am me]

Is there a difference in the frames on an '86 extended cab 4x4 ranger and a '87 long bed 2wd? It's not looking to like I'll finish my engine swap this year, but I do need 4wd in the winter, so I was thinking of geting a 2wd long bed Ranger and swapping the transmission and front end from my 4x4 Ranger on to it. If all the brackets for the front end are the same and the wheel base is the same it shouldn't be to hard. I don't really want to put the engine into my ranger because then I'd have to put the wiring harness in too (cut it out because the diesel engine doesn't use any of it)

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

AFAIK the engine crossmember is the only major difference.

 

[RonD]

Bookmark this page: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

Look in suspension section for details on 2WD and 4WD suspension differences

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Extended cab frames are longer than std cab longbox frames.

Front crossmember and related brackets are different too if you want to stay TTB.

You may check into a D30 swap so you don't have to mess with cutting your crossmember out and welding/bolting in a different one (which will also need cut out of the donor truck)

 

[I am me]

That's gonna cost more then finishing my swap, darn. Does the 2.8l v6 with the carb that came in the older rangers have the same bolt pattern as the 2.9 duel injected one? I'm assuming it would and that'd be easy to stick in my truck for the winter

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

That's gonna cost more then finishing my swap, darn. Does the 2.8l v6 with the carb that came in the older rangers have the same bolt pattern as the 2.9 duel injected one? I'm assuming it would and that'd be easy to stick in my truck for the winter

Will require a different fuel system and ignition but yes, it will bolt in where a 2.9 would.

 

[I am me]

I've never set upan engine with a carb but I thought for the fuel system I'd only have to remove the injection pump, have the fuel pump run constantly, and have a fuel return line. What would have to be changed for the ignition?

 

[I am me]

Is there a carbureted engine that'll just bolt up to my trans and run if I give it gas?

 

[RonD]

If your current 2WD Ranger has good body and bad engine then I would look for 4x4 ranger with bad body and just swap the body parts.

People pay for "looks" so rusted and dented Rangers don't sell for much, they can run perfect and still not sell because of the "looks"

Yes, the 2.8l will bolt to 2.9l transmissions, if that's what old engine was

Need an inline Fuel Pressure Regulator so carb sees only 7-9psi pressure

 

[I am me]

I have a 4x4 Ranger with a bad body but good frame. I could just buy the 2wd one that I found and swap the engine and cab but it doesn't sound like it'll go on without a bunch of work. I'd prefer to just plop a carbureted. In for this winter and get back to putting the diesel in in the spring. Fuel pressure regulator seem easy, what else?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8Duraspark.shtml

 

[I am me]

Were Rangers available with the 2.8 andd duraspark ignition ever?

 

[wildbill23c]

Were Rangers available with the 2.8 andd duraspark ignition ever?

No.

 

[I am me]

Darn ok. well thanks for the info, I'll try and find all the stuff