94 Ford Ranger 2.3L

[Crepiduse]

I know it's been asked several times, but I can't find the information.

What engines if any will bolt into a 94 Ford Ranger?

My ranger is a 94, 2.3l 4 Cylinder (8 Plug), 4speed+1 Manual Transmission

It just has no power and I want to put either a v6 or a v8 as either are cheap in the yards here. What will go in with LEAST hassle? What is needed to do it...

I don't want the "go with the biggest you can get" method, I want the least hassle (anything bigger than the 2.3L and there are no 2.3 turbo's around, so I can't go that route...) 3.0 v6?

 

[scotts90ranger]

going with anything but a 2.3/2.5 will require a fair amount of parts. The swap that would be the best would be a 4.0, those are nice engines, the problem is you would have to get a transmission with it.

 

[Crepiduse]

Ok, I can get a 4.0 and transmission. Not a problem.... What else should I grab? I want to get 90% of the parts and then get to work. I have a garage and all the tools in the world (almost atleast lol) at my avail....

4.0 and 5 Speed from a Explorer will cost me $350 running with less than 100k miles. My 2.3 has 256k on it now, making me want to swap it.

 

[scotts90ranger]

trouble is you would have to either put the tailhousing from your tranny onto the 4x4 tranny or put the transfer case and shorter rear driveshaft onto your truck (believe me, I spend enough time in 2wd low that I think it's handy), or find a 4x2 2.9/4.0 M5OD

you'll want the complete engine wiring harness and sensor setup including ECM, I believe you should be able to do it without even splicing wires... but someone else out there has probably done the swap. Engine mounts might involve some work.

 

[Crepiduse]

I guess I didn't mention, My truck is 2wd and the goal is a 2wd 6cyl swap.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I know...

 

[Crepiduse]

Ok, I am going to pick up a 4.0L with M5OD Transmission, ECM, and I'll have to order a new wiring kit or pick up one from a different yard. Will the rear in my 94 hold to the 4.0?

 

[clevemech]

Won't he be needing the manifolds and Y pipe also?

 

[scotts90ranger]

yeah, you would need exhaust work too, but would need the same with a V8.

the rear axle should be ok, the only real difference is the larger ring and pinion and spider gears on the 8.8. my 7.5 is holding up to 4.10 gears, my turbo 2.3, and me playing...

 

[Crepiduse]

ok, I got it setup to pickup the engine/tran next week. I am getting the ecm, all accessories (alt/powersteer/etc) as well. I am getting a complete wiring harness also.

I will be getting custom exhaust after the engine is in, so no worries there.

 

[scotts90ranger]

there might be a few nickel and dime things like any engine swap, but it should be doable

 

[Crepiduse]

alright. the 2.3 now has a 4.0l and runs good. I noticed when the bed was off the frame is a little tweaked from a previous owner accident not on carfax. I have to have it painted and some body work done anyways, so no biggie, ill have it measured out and see if it needs straightening

 

[Duane867]

Good job