84 mustang block

[zeakieb1]

I'm new on trs. I have a cracked block in my "88" ranger it's a 2.3 and need to know if a 1984 mustang 2.3 block will work if I keep the head from the ranger.

 

[Mark_88]

The 84 Mustang block is essentially the same as the Ranger block...the distrubutor and wiring may be different but you can use the Ranger distributor...I'm using an 89 Mustang head on a 87 Ranger block...but my block was from a FI truck and mine was carbed...some slight diffeerences there...

 

[zeakieb1]

what about the oil pan, I checked out part numbers and they were different the 84 mustang had a 4 piece gasket and the 88 ranger had a 1 piece gasket do I need to keep the mustang oil pan? Everything else seemed to be the same except the pan gasket and oil pump.Also thank you for the reply

 

[ejholmgren]

The ranger pan is cast aluminum with webbing all over the place. The mustang one is stamped steel I think. Are you running a manual or an auto? I know the M5OD bolts to part of the pan as well as the engine block.

 

[zeakieb1]

Is the bolt pattern the same on the oil pan ? I dont have the mustang engine yet but I can get one for pretty cheap and im just trying to make sure it will work before i buy it

 

[Mark_88]

The oil pans are essentially the same...just a matter of preference really...the Mustang may be a bit shallower in some spots for clearing the frame but either one will work...the bolt pattern should be identical though...

I changed the oil pan gasket before I put the engine back in just to make sure...it's easier to do when the motor is out of the vehicle...mine was leaking a bit so changing it was out of necessity...if you want to put the Ranger oil pan on the Mustang motor that shouldn't be a problem...just use the proper sealant in the areas specified in the manual and it should seal properly...