'88 2.0L vs. 95-97 2.3L trans mounting pattern

[destroy452]

Hello, newbie here. I have a question for all knowledgeable people here.
My dad has an 88 ranger 2.0L that the engine is crap. He'll sell it to me for a good price and I want to swap in a junkyard 2.3L. The truck has a manual transmission and I want to know if I get a 2.3L from a 95-97 manual trans. ranger, will the 2.3L bolt right up to the 2.0L's trans and clutch?

I read the tech specs where it said that the 2.3 and the 2.0 are the same block, but I'm unsure of the trans bolt pattern. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Simple_serf]

Last I know, the 2.0 was just an underbored 2.3....blocks are identical. I have been around a few, but haven't had to worry about the trans.

 

[destroy452]

Last I know, the 2.0 was just an underbored 2.3....blocks are identical. I have been around a few, but haven't had to worry about the trans.

Thanks for the info. I'm hoping they're the same pattern. If not, I'll try to get a deal on a trans and engine. Or take the 2.9 and mtx from my bros ranger.

 

[Dave R]

Any 2.3/2.5 OHC engine will bolt to that tranny. But, in order to use a significantly newer engine you'll have to swap in the entire engine management system, including the fuel tank and high pressure fuel lines.

 

[destroy452]

Any 2.3/2.5 OHC engine will bolt to that tranny. But, in order to use a significantly newer engine you'll have to swap in the entire engine management system, including the fuel tank and high pressure fuel lines.

That makes sense. I had planned to go to a JK and get a donor truck's ecm,engine, wiring harness, and various mounts and brackets. Possibly even the radiator. But I didn't even think of the fuel tank/system. Might as well get it while I'm there. Thanks for the info.

 

[truefordguy]

I agree with the last guy, the 95-97 is efi the earlier one is carb, so it is gonna be a task. It can be done but not with ease