Anyone running a 408 in there ranger?

[1987ranger12394]

I'm looking to build/buy a 408 for my first gen and was wondering what drivability is/was like.

 

[Ramcharger90]

Look at the driveability of a fox body with that motor. Granted if you have a longer wheel base it might hook better with some suspension work, But its all about the weather conditions and a how flat to the floor you like to drive.

 

[smilinjack]

I'm looking to build/buy a 408 for my first gen and was wondering what drivability is/was like.

Not sure I can answer ur question rite now but I am in the process of installing a 408 Cleveland in a 95 2wd Ranger as we speak. I have encountered some logistical problems with the C that apparently are different from the Windsor. I'm assuming you want to go fast seeing as you chose a 408 for motor.
I thought I knew my exact direction for this transplant but, alas, it has changed several times and has involved the purchase of some new parts that I can no longer use!! Turns out the chassis and suspension are the main culprits of this swap. So check your budget with the changes you'll have to make to handle the power you're considering. Some things to consider are ; rear axle and how to harness it (4link, ladderbar,etc.), motor mounts and locations (motor plates and mid plates, adapted mounts,etc.) oil pan, exhaust headers, steering (stock pwr. , rack n pinion,etc.) trans mounts, driveshaft clearances, to mention a few! From what I'm hearing and reading the 302/5.0 engine fits in a LOT easier and with less necessity to change the entire structure of the truck, just sayin! BUT, if ur lookin for a project that will command your full attention and, you're able bodied, with decent mechanical skills, and have a few bucks and some time on your hands, it could be a really cool accomplishment! To be honest, I can't tell you the number of times I've said to myself " why didn't I just go to Mecum auction and buy somebody elses labor a lot freakin cheaper!!" Guessin' I'm just not that smart.?

 

[19Walt93]

I believe you can get 363 cubic inches out of the new Boss 302 block and it'll be a lot easier fit. If your 408 is a Windsor it'll be a lot easier than Jack's Cleveland. I think he's showing off.

 

[1987ranger12394]

I've been looking at crate engines and for a turn key v8 I'm looking at 6k I started looking at 302s but wanted more torque. than looked at 351w and ended up at 408 because more faster. I'm thinking 400 hp na with a np435 and 205 transfer. 35ttb and 8.8 rear. 4.88 gears 33 in tires

 

[Dirtman]

I disagree

 

[19Walt93]

It sounds to be like you'll be happier if you build for low end power rather than high rpm horse power.

 

[Rager351]

I'm looking to build/buy a 408 for my first gen and was wondering what drivability is/was like.

Hi, Stroked Windsor is a great way to go. My 1988 2wd Ranger 418 Windsor, TKO600, with 3:55 gears is a hoot to drive. Driveability is very good as well. Sounds like you are going for a different build (4wd), but I believe you'll be happy with the larger displacement. Let me know if you need any details that might help your project?

 

[1987ranger12394]

Hi, Stroked Windsor is a great way to go. My 1988 2wd Ranger 418 Windsor, TKO600, with 3:55 gears is a hoot to drive. Driveability is very good as well. Sounds like you are going for a different build (4wd), but I believe you'll be happy with the larger displacement. Let me know if you need any details that might help your project?

What rear are you running? I was looking at a 8.8 and dana 35 ttb swaped front and rear. I'm not looking to build a 10 sec truck or anything. Figured 475 hp at the crank would be plenty for 12s. We have a local dirt strip here in town so I'd take it there ever once in a while but mostly street driving is what I'm looking for.

 

[smilinjack]

Hi, Stroked Windsor is a great way to go. My 1988 2wd Ranger 418 Windsor, TKO600, with 3:55 gears is a hoot to drive. Driveability is very good as well. Sounds like you are going for a different build (4wd), but I believe you'll be happy with the larger displacement. Let me know if you need any details that might help your project?

Hey Rager, caught your reply here on engine swap and was wondering what suspension you started and ended with and how deep did you go with your conversion?

 

[Ramcharger90]

The million dollar question is what is the truck for? Daily driver? Quarter mile? Corners?

It's kinda like trying to answer the ultimate question, What is the meaning of life?

Personally I would like a Clevor for a street rod truck. 351w with Cleveland heads and intake.

I went with a 306 for this truck. Since its a daily driver and light to light truck.

350hp approximately is sufficient for its purpose. (Im gonna dyno it at Ford Nationals in Carlisle if they have it this year)

But with that said you may have a different expectation.


But certainly we all understand why you wouldn't want a cam that chirps the tires at idle while creeping in traffic.

 

[1987ranger12394]

The million dollar question is what is the truck for? Daily driver? Quarter mile? Corners?

It's kinda like trying to answer the ultimate question, What is the meaning of life?

Personally I would like a Clevor for a street rod truck. 351w with Cleveland heads and intake.

I went with a 306 for this truck. Since its a daily driver and light to light truck.

350hp approximately is sufficient for its purpose. (Im gonna dyno it at Ford Nationals in Carlisle if they have it this year)

But with that said you may have a different expectation.


But certainly we all understand why you wouldn't want a cam that chirps the tires at idle while creeping in traffic.

Its a weekend street build. I'll take it out to dirt tracks in my local area on occasion. It could be daily driven can't predict how much ill enjoy driving it. I had a 400rw hp 2005 mustang gt I daily drove till it got totaled. (Had a new tire bubble and blow out at 75 on the highway pulled me into a rail.) Just looking for that hp in a new skin love the first gen 4x4 rangers. The mustang pushed close to 4000 curb and the ranger is 500 less than that with me in it. So don't really know what to expect with that much power. Don't want to over buy if I can get more for less.

 

[1987ranger12394]

some guys say there getting 14s with stock 302s and I'm looking to break 12s or 11s nothing crazy but fast enough to keep up the new sedans rolling off the lots

 

[Ramcharger90]

Well 4x4 and high horsepower = High dollar in my experience. Maybe some of the people on here can point you in the right direction on that. Even a mild 351w is pretty quick in a ranger.

 

[1987ranger12394]

This is an long term build for me I've got the truck already and the trans and transfercase. My big ticket items are my axles and engine. I don't run my vehicles hard and never to compete. This is for personal fun and if something breaks i replace it and keep trucking