97 2.3 to a 99 with 2.5

[Terryt]

Got a 97 ranger with 2.3 5 speed truck has been totaled but motor and tranny is still good so I was thinking of doing a swap. I'm looking at a 99 with a 2.5 automatic transmission. Can this swap be done or will I have to change a bunch of stuff. I've been told both ways. I've been told I can't and I've been told I can so I guess I'm needing some guidance here. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mark_88]

Hi Terry and welcome to TRS~!

It can be done either way. The 2.3 will drop into the place of the 2.5 and vice versa.

You can bolt the 2.3 to the automatic since the bell housing is the same and the block is the same as he 2.5.

I haven't done that swap so minor things might need clarification...like if you need to change the flywheel over to the 2.3 (which I'd imagine would be needed or install the torque converter) and if the computer will work with the manual transmission...

I will let someone with more experience elaborate on that aspect of the swap...but the engines are pretty much the same externally...the oil pan on a 2.5 is different and if you are going from a 2.3 to a 2.5 on a 93-97 frame it needs to be changed to the older style.

 

[Terryt]

Ok thanks. I have a 97 with 2.3 that's been totaled I've been looking for a roller truck to drop that motor in but all I can find in my area to drop it in is 99s and 2000s with 2.5s with autos. Nothing with five speeds.

 

[Terryt]

The 97 I have that been totaled has a 2.3 in it and and all I can find in my area to drop that motor in is 99s and 2000s with 2.5 with autos instead of 5 speed. And was just trying to figure out if it was doable without any problems

 

[don4331]

Smart @$$ comment Terry - Both the manual and autos are 5 speeds.

If I am reading correct you want to put the 2.3/manual into '99/'00 which has 2.5/auto.

Assuming so, it is going to be bit of PIA. (I deal more with 3.slos/4.0s, so might make a couple mistakes here). That said, anything is possible.

'97 used return fuel line; '98+ uses single line. I also believe there are difference in ignition (dual plugs versus single). And of course, the manual versus automatic.

The easiest way is to find (get) a '99/'00 manual computer; then you can leave the 2.5 intact, just swap transmissions (and associated pedals, flexplate for clutch, wiring, etc) What I don't know is if '99-'00 2.5s have PATS (they aren't supposed to, but I don't like assuming. )

Swapping the pedals/clutch master cylinder, flexplate for flywheel is just a bunch of wrenching. But then you hit the 1st snag - clutch pedal switch, hopefully harness has it.

Those are quick things I can think of.

 

[tinman_72]

...'97 used return fuel line; '98+ uses single line. I also believe there are difference in ignition (dual plugs versus single). And of course, the manual versus automatic...

No big deal. Just use the fuel rail from the 2.5 on the 2.3. I used a '95-'97 fuel rail on my '98 2.5 to fit in my '93, so I assume it would work the other way as well.

 

[Terryt]

GuyWell I've never had and automatic so I didn't know the had 5 gears in it but maybe I can explain my self a little better. I'm looking at a couple trucks that have blown 2.5 motors in them. They both have automatic transmisions in them. One is a 99 and one is a 2000.

I have a 97 that been totaled. And the one that's been total has a good 2.3 in it with manual transmission. I just wanting to know how much trouble it would be to put the 2.3 or (if its even possible) in one of the 99 or 2000 which both have 2.5s before I go out and buy one of them. Not planning on swapping transmisions just the motor