96 5.8 EFI into 90 Ranger 2wd

[mando jake]

I bought the "complete" 96 F150 4x4 from the scrapyard after they chopped it up. My brother and I are gonna put the 5.8 in his 90 ranger with a 5 speed from a full size 2wd, and a 9" from an old car. I've got the engine and tranny, and still on the lookout for a 9".
I'm just wondering, who's already done it, where's the good conversion parts, and what are the pitfalls of this conversion?
I also like fabbing my own stuff when feasable, and I'm thinking about mounting the engine in the front to free up space for exhaust.

 

[Iron Ranger]

First of all, Welcome!!

I'm in the middle of putting a 5.0 in my 92 ranger, so I can relate to your situation. I know that the 5.8 has some header clearance issues and a little bit of the passanger side frame will need to be notched out a little bit.

As for conversion parts, there aren't many available for the 5.8, but in the Tech Library they list all the info and engine dimensions for you.

Here's all the parts that Summit Racing offers: http://store.summitracing.com/egnse...94908331+4294907827+4294840125+115+4294924929

I would use a 9" from an early to mid 70's ford truck. It's only 4 inches wider over all
and you can use your stock 5x4.5 wheel setting by purchasing new axle shafts from Currie Enterprise, or have some 5x5.5 rims if you don't want to swap out the shafts.

Finding a 9" 31 spline from a mustang is super-rare, usually the first to go at a scrap yard. Or, if you want disk brakes, go with an 8.8 from an explorer. Those are 31 spline and hold the 5x4.5 wheel pattern.

The pitfalls are, you will run into obstacles, the wiring is confusing(but remarkably easy to figure out), things won't fit, bolts bust, radiator clearance, header clearance, the list goes on and on.

But once you dive into it, and take it one step at a time, it's not really that bad. In the end, you'll know where every bolt and fastener is located in your truck because you will have either replaced it or fought with it. It makes it easier to fix the truck in the long run.

Study the Tech Library, and ask us questions. We're more than happy to help you out!!

 

[AllanD]

I'd use an 8.8" rear from an explorer rather than ANY 9" rear from a car.

Really the 8.8" is a stronger axle...

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[AzRanger5.0]

I dissagree - the 9" axle is much stronger. But, the 8.8 is plenty stout enough to stand up behind a 5.8, and it is MUCH easier to find these days, and, the set-up is pretty simple. I changed the gears in mine (in my Mustang) and was surprised at how easy it was. Go with the 8.8 - you will be glad you did.