99 Ford Ranger 4x4 4.0 V6 --> V8 (Need suggestions and help)

[Mitchellp18]

I was looking to swap the engine in my 99 ranger as it is really bogging down on power ever since I had put on 265 tires on it. Im looking to put a v8 in it but im not sure which is the best for power/bang for buck. I've heard good things about swapping the 5.0 v8's that were in the ford explorers but still need help on figuring out if i would need a new trans, what conversion kit to get, and if it would even be worth it, ect. Any help is very much appreciated!

 

[Ramcharger90]

Explorer 5.0 it has the gt40 heads and better intake the mustang guys want without buying eldebrock plus you gonna need to change wires around computer patts etc. Lots of resources on here. Unfortunately there really isn't a straight forward step 1 through step 1076 walk through since everyone's swap will be different in terms of what you want from the ranger

 

[Mitchellp18]

Explorer 5.0 it has the gt40 heads and better intake the mustang guys want without buying eldebrock plus you gonna need to change wires around computer patts etc. Lots of resources on here. Unfortunately there really isn't a straight forward step 1 through step 1076 walk through since everyone's swap will be different in terms of what you want from the ranger

Yeah ive seen a few documents and videos on it and it seems like you need a ton of different parts but once its there its mainly plug and play with the exception of a few things. If i were to do it i think i would just have to buy a wrecked explorer thats got a decent engine. Im really just looking for something thats got more power bc the hp on mine now that its got the bigger tires is around 120 and its really slow and gets 10mpg. My dilemma is trying to find something good that isnt a ton of money.

 

[8thTon]

Why not change your gears?

 

[Mitchellp18]

Why not change your gears?

Im not really familiar with that. How does that work?

 

[Sweet-85']

Im not really familiar with that. How does that work?

Basically it's changing the gear ratio in your front and rear differential to better match the size tires you're running. Makes it easier for your engine to turn bigger tires. You may lose a little fuel economy, but you'll gain drivability, in your case, you might get some fuel economy back.

Instead of spending many thousands on an engine swap, you could probably get away with $1500 or less from a reputable shop for installation, the gear sets themselves can be had for just a couple hundred bucks a piece. This also provides an opportunity to install lockers front and rear if you choose (which would really help off road).

Good article here: https://therangerstation.com/how-to_pages/gear_ratio_tire_size_chart.shtml

Also lots of good articles in the "how to tech" section (link at top of page), check it out!

 

[Ramcharger90]

Honestly that is probably the best thing you can do for now until you gather all the parts for a swap