96 OBII 2.3 into 91 OBI 4x4 Ranger

[henryj10]

96 OBII 2.3 into 91 OBI 2.9 4x4 Ranger


Anyone have any advise for me. I'm interested in swapping my good running 2.3 from my 96 2wd Manual Ranger, into my 91 4x4 Auto Ranger 2.9L on its last leg. What would be involved. I believe the motor and mount would bolt in, thinking I'd need to bring computer from OBII obviously, but what about transmission, I've heard they are block specific and wiring is setup for 2wd manual, will motor bolt to 2.9 tranny I believe is an A4LD correct me if I'm wrong. So do I need another computer for a 96 4x4 2.3, I know those are hard to find. Help in right direction is strongly appretiated. I do not want a 4.0L in my 91, I have a OBII thats going in the 96.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Mark_88]

As you've mentioned the blocks do not bolt up to the transmissions between the 2.3 and anything else other than a 2.0 or 2.5 (Lima only).

You would need everything and that may be harder to find now but probably still possible.

Did you want to stay with an automatic and run the 2.3? I've never seen one in 4x4 automatic...but they may be available...many things I have not seen.

Is this a project truck or something you need as a daily driver? I would have to try to steer you towards just buying a whole truck...preferably one that is already working and keep the 2.3 or sell it to help cover costs...but even that might take a while these days...always a buyer out there for good running 2.3s.

 

[henryj10]

I'd like to use the 96 dual spark motor I have modestly higher outputs than other 2.3's plus I know what to expect W/ my 2.3 sound motor put
a lot money into. This is a project/runner. I'm thinking, grab 4x4 housing for the M5ROD 1 and shaft 4x4 specific. Use the bg1354 electric from 2.9 assuming the bg1354 is the same and bolts to all 4x4 trannies in rangers around my Gen. Rig up control for transfer case bypassing the 4x4 obdii ecm Id need and don't have to use for 4x4 with a obdii 2wd 2.3 ocm. Prolly dreaming tho.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The electric case on your '91 is stand alone, so it doesn't care what's in front of it other than maybe a neutral safety or something that should be able to be bypassed... And on that side, your drive shafts and everything else should be fine, they were all the same between the M5OD and A4LD.

Besides needing a 4x4 version of the transmission to mix and match to put together (from either a 2.3L 4x4 or 3.0L 4x4) you'll need a 2.3L specific drivers side motor mount on the frame side, otherwise it should be mostly a bolt in other than wiring

 

[henryj10]

Well that's good news on the transfer case and bolt ins scotts. I assuming you mean I only need to bring drivers side motor mount from the 2wd to the 2.9 Ranger the passenger mount is the same? Also if transfer c. is standalone wonder why theres a 2.3 4x4 specific ECM in existence vs the 2wd 2.3 ECM I have in the 2wd, nothing to do with 4wd other than engine manag. differing for power needs in 4x4 possibly? Can't find too many 4x4 2.3 ECMs, do I need this? I'm hoping I can use the stock 2wd 2.3. ECM with this application.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The engine doesn't care if it's 4x4 or not, not sure what that would be about...

No, I'm saying you'll need the passenger side engine mount on the frame side from the 2.3L truck (if you don't have it, doesn't matter 4x4 or 4x2), and attempt to locate a frame side engine mount for a 4x4 2.3L Ranger from '88 to '97, they are 4x4 and engine specific...

 

[turbo91xlt]

Both left & right frame mounts are specific to a 2.3 4x4 as the crossmember is wider & shaped differently then a 2wd. Also the ecu's are the same for 2wd & 4wd. That said, you're better off finding an obd1 4.0 or another 2.9 to drop in.