5.0 swap

[94RangerSwap]

I have a 1994 2.3 2wd ranger with a manual trans I just picked up a 302 I’m going to throw into it I’m thinking about using a m5r2 out of a F150 and was wondering what I can reuse and what I’ll need to buy

 

[JoshT]

First, you should post this in the V8 swaps forum, not the 2.3L forum.

Second, please clarify your question. "What can you reuse" from what? You've probided no information about what you have other than a 302 and that you're thinking about using the M5OD-R2 from an F-150.

Third, there are several articles about V8 swaps in the tech library, that will provide a bunch of the basic information that you need. Do some studying in those articles and ask some more specific questions that we can really answer. What you've asked so far is much too vague.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’m moving this to the swaps section…

Also, I agree with @JoshT , you’re super vague here…

What was the 302 out of? Is it carb or EFI? Do you have all the accessories? Computer? Most of us try to plan this out instead of just buying something but whatever.

Also, is your Ranger staying a 2wd or are you trying to make it 4x4? What are your end goals? Lifted? Lowered? Stock-ish?

All of that and a lot more is important to some degree or other in parts selection… basically we need a clear goal and specifics about the starting point to recommend a course…

 

[94RangerSwap]

I'm trying to build a mild carbureted street build on a budget and plan on keeping the truck 2wd, as far as what I'm wondering I can reuse I was wondering more specifically if the stock driveshaft and rear-end would be able to work or if I would have to replace it with something beefier.
I believe it has a 8.8 rear already but ill have to check, I also wanna know if I can reuse the stock fuel system with an upgraded fuel pump or if I would need to run a whole new set-up.
As for the engine its a block and heads out of a late 80s Grand Marquis that is roller-cam, I also picked up a stock cam and pistons from a 93 Foxbody lx all for $100.
I had heard that a M5OD-R2 was similar enough to my transmission that I could reuse the trans mount and the driveshaft, I was also offered a T5 out of a 94-95 mustang for $150 but I don't know how the fitment is compared to the M5.
I'm wanting it to sit at stock height but I know the extra weight will make it lower and cambered, could I use springs from a v6 ranger or would that not make much if any of a difference.
I'm shooting for maybe 300hp when all said and done and still wanna be able to use it for hauling light loads.

Sorry for the vague questions ill try to be more specific moving forward

 

[JoshT]

Quick reply, I'm not getting into the weeds this late.

Drive shaft is almost 100% requiring replacement. Biggest determining factor with diameter is engine power and your right foot. However, it's almost guranteed that you will need a different length and transmission yoke to match your transmission and where its tailshaft is located.

Rear end will depend completely on your foot. Many Rangers with the 4 cylinders came with a 7.5 axle right into the 2000s. Some may have gotten a 8.8 depending on options. Many 7.5s have survived behind a 5.0L with appropriate application of the skinny pedal. Same for the Ranger's 28 spline 8.8. If you plan to be matting the skinny pedal a lot consider upgrade to a 31 spline Explorer 8.8".

Your stock 2.3L fuel system is setup for 35-45 PSI to support EFI. This is going to be way too much for a carburetor, you will need to run a pressure regulator to drop fuel pressure to ~5 PSI, maybe lower.

I'm not sure about the validity of the information you've heard on the M5OD-R2 as it regards a 2wd. It's likely right for a 4wd, assuming that the engine placement doesn't need it sitting further back. Personally, I'd forget about counting on stock transmission mount placement, let the engineplacement determine it's position. If you want a 2wd street truck build consider other transmissions. The M5OD works fine, but there are better shifting options for a street truck. They may take more work, but the reward in shifting and gearing is likely worth the effort. Your choice, but I still say let the engine position determine transmission location, not the other way around.

Your engine choice is not a good one. For the most part a 5.0L roller block is a 5.0L roller block. I don;t think that those heads are very desirable, you would be better served with a set of 96-97 Explorer GT-40 heads. Second best factory production head ever installed. Best is the later GT-40P, but those have an odd spark plug angle that hakes headers and plug wires difficult. Even the mustang guys wanted the GT-40 heads before aftermarket aluminum got so cheap. Stock mustang cam is a nice small bump over the Explorer cam, don't know how it compares the the GM cam. The biggest problem with the GM is litterally the biggest problem. They are big compared to a Mustang or Ranger, they have a big engine bay. The acessory package for that will not be a good fit in the Ranger. You want the Fox Mustang, or even better the Explorer accessory drive for best fitment. Explorer was the smallest and best fit in a Ranger bay. There's a reason we recommend Explorers as donors for all Ranger 5.0L swaps.

Springs, if you are a regular cab consider getting a set of Extended cab springs. There's about hundred lbs difference between the original V6 drivetrains and the V8 drivetrain. The extended cab springs should do the job nicely. Either way a new set of springs is naturally going to raise the truck some over the sagged 30 year old units.


(Ok, maybe that wasn't such a quick reply. Still all the detail I'm going ot get into tonight.)

 

[bobbywalter]

300 hp with that rotating assembly n/a will be .... not likely.


the shifter position of the later 150 is better, but all of the 2wd 150 will work, just have to mod the shifter and floor pan. you can use your driveshaft to locate the unit so it will work as it should be a 28 spline unit....a 2 in body lift and the fox pan will accommodate it with plate style engine to locate it over v6 engine mounts.

otherwise you will have to get creative with custom mounts.

usually use a complete 92 f150 setup for clutch system and starter, seems to be the least hassle.

i prefer to hack out the core support and run a summit 25x19 radiator with e fan.

500 cfm carb and stock low psi fuel pump probably get er did.


one of these critters will help

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[rubydist]

You will not get 300 hp out of E7 heads unless you spend $$$ having them ported by a guy who really knows his stuff... and even then you will need a better cam.