Backwards! V6 to 2.3L Conversion

[racer7]

Hey All... Thinking about picking up a second generation 2WD Ranger standard cab short box and making a road race/drag truck with a four banger in it. I've had and raced a few 2.3L Mustangs in the past, so I'm familiar with the engines and have a crazy-ass idea in my mind.

I'd be running the 2.3L without any computer guidance... all the tuning I'd need to do would be with a screwdriver, so I'm not super worried about wiring harnesses or other things.

Biggest question is, what model would be the best to start with? A 4Cyl Ranger would probably be cheaper and things would bolt together easier, but...

Am I causing myself more headaches without having the 8.8" rear end in it?

What about flywheels and clutches, do they line up between the v6 and the 2.3?

Is the transmission the same?

Which driveshafts work if I swap an Explorer rear end into it?

If I'm running a 200hp 2.3L N/A engine, what will the weakest links be?



Guess before I even start window shopping for my future baby, I should know what I want! I'll read up on the 2.3L > 3.0/4.0 swaps as well.

 

[NEALD]

Do you have the truck already, or are you looking for one as well? I would assume easier to start with a 2.3 or 2.5 ranger since it will have the running gear to match already. What type of racing are you doing, are you sure with that power level you will need an 8.8 rear? 7.5's are pretty durable and weigh less than an 8.8 as well. If you are drag racing with a manual and a heavy flywheel dropping the clutch at 6000 rpm than you probably will. But a road course you may not.

 

[adsm08]

Well, the transmissions are all different, and the flywheels are as well, so the clutch disc is probably wrong as well, but all the splines are the same on the input shafts. Its the integral bell housing and different bolt patterns that cause transmission compatibility problems.

The 8.8 in the Ranger isn't much stronger than the 7.5, the weak point it both those axles is the outer bearing, and it's a part that they share. For real strength you need an explorer axle, which should work with the existing drive shaft if you get a 91 or newer.

As far as breaking things, even with a 200 hp 4-cyl, don't worry about it. HP doesn't break things, torque does.

 

[stmitch]

I'd definitely start with a 4cylinder truck with the transmission that you want. It will reduce many headaches, and any Lima 2.3L or 2.5L would be easily swappable.

Keep the 7.5. The Explorer axles are wider than Ranger axles (the amount depends on the model year but it can be between1.5 and 3 inches). This can cause issues on lowered trucks with body clearance and tire fitment. For either drag racing or road racing you'd probably want as much tire in the rear as possible, so I wouldn't limit your options by putting in the extra wide Explorer axle unless you have to, and a 200hp 4 banger shouldn't require it.

If you're still looking for trucks, the 98+ trucks had a superior front suspension design and more comfortable cabs (regular cab only) compared to the older trucks and their I-Beams. The older trucks are lighter though when equipped the same and can probably be found a bit cheaper. Just depends on your priorities.