85 Ford Ranger

[MThof0830]

Hello,

I just acquired a 85 Ford Ranger. The person that I got it from did a Ford 302 V8 swap. He put a built 302 with an aggressive cam and a few other things along with I believe a C4 automatic transmission with transfer case. He said that it ran and e drove it, I can not confirm this. I need to hook up a few things, but I have not performed a swap so I'm not sure how to do it nor what to look for. Can anyone help

Its a great truck. its clean and strait just not to sure on Fords what to do.

Thanks for the help ahead of time

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Post some pics of the area you need help with.

 

[BLOODBANE]

Yes some pics would be most helpful. I did an 84 and would be more than willing to try and help you out.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

He said that it ran and e drove it, I can not confirm this

This is a little concerning to me. It sounds like you need help giveing it a once over. Maybe there is a member here close to you that has done the conversion and help you get the wiring correct then you can do a proper diagnostic.

 

[brian_4o]

First put new oil and a new oil filter and new air filter in it. Second remove the plugs and put a small squirt of oil down each cylinder, then turn it over by hand a couple times, then replace the spark plugs. Then you want to check that it has good coolant in it, and then pop the distributor off and check that its not all rusted inside. Put fresh gas in it and a new fuel filter and it should be ready to fire up.

 

[MThof0830]

Ok thanks for the tips. I'll take pic ASAP and as soon as it stops down pouring.

I know the distribtor was pulled to get the motor in TDC. but I dont know how long though. the drive shafts airnt in cuz he pulled them to get to the linkage for the trans, the list goes on. Know that theres a lot of stuff that needs done.

I had the Ford 2.8L V6 with the 5 speed, so the hole in the floor is good I just dont have the right shifter and the spacer for it.

But I'll take pics ASAP

 

[RonD]

Distributor..................?
Does it have a carb as well so no computer needed?

Driveshafts with an "s" is it a 4x4?

 

[MThof0830]

Ya the distributor....

Yep has a 2 barrel carb.

Yes its 4X4 I have some just wasn't sure if they need mods or if I have to go pull some different ones.

 

[MThof0830]

Here's the pics I could get

 

[MThof0830]

I covered and pluged the things left open

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

First, a compression test to make sure the motor is worth working on. Then gas lines. Then spark....install dizzy correctly. Don't worry about rad as yet, it won't hurt to run the motor for a few minutes without. Connect exhaust so you can listen for problems. Come back for advice.

sent while sitting on the throne

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Make sure trans is in park....

sent while sitting on the throne

 

[kimcrwbr1]

That looks like the 2150 autolite carb and should work just fine. Are there three wires coming out of the distributor?

 

[RonD]

You will want to do an HEI conversion if there is any sign of a spark issue, never try to fix an old Ford spark system, HEI is cheaper, easier(4 wires) and WAY MORE reliable.

From the looks of things I think the seller may have drove whatever the V8 came out of but not the Ranger because it looks more mid-swap than after-swap.

With that in mind I am with alwaysFlOoReD, do a compression test.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Also get rid of all that computer stuff. Under the kick panel on the passenger side is the computer. pull the harness out of the firewall and just follow the harness back to the drivers side to the grey 8 wire connector. The only wires you need are the water temp, oil pressure, alternator and key on hot. Remove the mess of computer wires and all of the vacuum solenoids and reservor (coffee can).