5.0 swap

[GDAWGMX396]

Alright im about to get i think its a 92 ext cab 4x4 ranger and strangly its got a 4 cyl with a auto tranny in it. So thats gotta come out and i wanna drop a 5.0 and c4 tranny in it. What would be the easiest and cheapest setup be? And what all would i need to get it going?
Thanks, garrett

 

[RangerSVT]

Welcome to TRS Use the search icon at the top of the task bar, this topic has been covered countless of times
SVT

 

[GDAWGMX396]

I was jus curious if it would be easier to use a 5.0 out of an explore and c4 out of a older f150 rather then a mustang cause the shifter already being on the steering columm.

 

[Psychopete]

Use what you have to work with.. Shouldn't go for easier necessarily, should go for what you want. I didn't want a 3 speed auto so I used an AOD with over drive. But a roller 5.0 with the shorter front end dress would surely make things easier with cooling and should have good performance. Transmission linkage - you're thinking too far!

 

[RangerSVT]

Don't worry about shift linkage, both trannies have the shifter arm on the side of the trans...Go with an overdrive trans, you will thank yourself later
SVT

 

[GDAWGMX396]

Don't worry about shift linkage, both trannies have the shifter arm on the side of the trans...Go with an overdrive trans, you will thank yourself later
SVT

I take that back, jus got a 89 ranger 4x4. Its got a 2.9 and a auto. How easy is to swap that out with a 5.0? Would i use a tranny that was out of a older f150 with a 5.0?

 

[RangerSVT]

You will need a trans from a V8 if you want/need overdrive. If you can deal without it, you can use a C5 trans from earlier RBV's and put a C4 bellhousing on it, allowing you to keep your ranger tcase. If you want to keep OD, then you will have to either get a kit from AA, or use another case. I'm about 80% done with my doubler build, and I'm thinking about building a setup that uses the ranger case. Only problem with that is it adds almost 10 inches in length, my doubler build is only 16 inches long including the reduction box and the tcase, with a ratio of almost 7:1, its well worth it!
You tcase options are the 1356 from the F-series (but frame mods are almost a requirement unless you make a trans X-member and move the trans over), the NP205 from earlier full size trucks ( strong and narrow, but a little heavy) and then there is the Dana 20 from the Early Bronco ( which is what I'm using), its small, relatively light weight (for being and all steel, all gear case) and the smallest in size. This thing is so small, it'll almost fit into a 15" rim
SVT

 

[GDAWGMX396]

Don't worry about shift linkage, both trannies have the shifter arm on the side of the trans...Go with an overdrive trans, you will thank yourself later
SVT

Ok. So would a 4.0 drop in using my tranny that i have now?

 

[RangerSVT]

Yes, 2.8L,2.9L, and the 4.0L all share the same bellhousing pattern
SVT

 

[GDAWGMX396]

Don't worry about shift linkage, both trannies have the shifter arm on the side of the trans...Go with an overdrive trans, you will thank yourself later
SVT

Haha so i can still use the same 2.9 tranny to drop a 4.0 in? So i got another question, i have a friend thats got a 3.8 that was out of a 88 couger. My understanding its a ford motor. Would that work with my 2.9 tranny?

 

[RangerSVT]

No, it won't. The 3.8L is from the the SBF family, basically a 5.0L with 2 less cylinders...The SBF family is a 90* V-block, the RBV engines are a 60* V-block, designed to be not as wide to fit the RBV engine bays...You can still make it work in RBV's, but you have to use the SBF trans bolt patterns...
SVT

 

[GDAWGMX396]

Don't worry about shift linkage, both trannies have the shifter arm on the side of the trans...Go with an overdrive trans, you will thank yourself later
SVT

Ok cool. But i can still drop in a 4.0 using the same 2.9 tranny?

 

[RangerSVT]

Yes, you can, and it will work, but I can't say for how long. A4LD's (your auto trans behind the 2.9L and early 4.0L) are not known for longevity or reliability. When I got my 87 B2 years ago, the trans went out 5 days after I bought it, I installed another A4LD but from a 91 explorer that had the 4.0L, the A4LD's that came behind the 4.0L had stronger internals and lasted longer, so if you can get the trans with the 4.0L, I'd swap that in too. And yes, the newer style trans is plug and play with the rest of the vehicle and tcase, same length, etc, etc. Happy swapping, and be sure to take pics
SVT

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

No, it won't. The 3.8L is from the the SBF family, basically a 5.0L with 2 less cylinders...The SBF family is a 90* V-block, the RBV engines are a 60* V-block, designed to be not as wide to fit the RBV engine bays...You can still make it work in RBV's, but you have to use the SBF trans bolt patterns...
SVT

The only thing the 3.8 shares with the 5.0 is the boltpattern.

Doing the math it comes out with a similar displacement per cylinder (it isn't exact) but even that is coincidence because they have different bore/stroke.

 

[GDAWGMX396]

Don't worry about shift linkage, both trannies have the shifter arm on the side of the trans...Go with an overdrive trans, you will thank yourself later
SVT

Alright awsome. I appreciate all the help. Thanx again. Love this site.