Cheap Engine and Trany swap.

[dracosix9]

I'm looking at doing an engine and tranny swap in my 86 RWD ranger longbox. I'm going to make a full rebuild project out of this so I'm looking for some input as to a good choose of cheap w/high replacement part engine and trany combination to rebuild and put into my truck.

I plan on eventually getting a newer 4x4 ranger as time goes on, but I think I'll start with the engine and trany in the RWD first with plans to swap it to the 4x4 after a total remodel of the 4x4. Thinking of fully independent front and rear suspension with a tube frame.

 

[strvger]

1st gen explorer 4.0 and m5od. get the whole truck so you have all the wiring and correct computers, gauges, etc. just my $.02

 

[dracosix9]

I think I'm getting my hands on a 302 for next to nothing, A case a beer and I have to pull it out of the car. The guys not sure if he's got any 302's left in his home wrecking yard, lol. imaging an 3 area farm with nothing but rusted out beater's for as far as the eye can see with a sign that say's "a case a beer, goes a long way 'round here." Sometimes it pays to have rednecks for friends.

Now the question is what tranny do I bolt onto the back of a 302 if i get my hands on it. I've read on here and other sites of guy bolting all sorts of tranny's to 302. the T-5 seems to be the most common but is it really the best or is it just a really common ford tranny?

 

[strvger]

both for those that want a manual. fits well, handles the 302 good, great parts availability, and common enough to be relatively cheap. that would be my pick for sure.

 

[steve63]

the 302/T-5 combo sounds good,but if you got the 7.5 rear axel it may not last to long if you get happy with youre right foot,might wanna look for a 8.8 rear axel out of a second gen ranger.

 

[MikeInID]

I seem to hear about c-4 automatics being used more often than other trannies as far as ranger swaps go. Very simple, cheap and bulletproof.

 

[strvger]

i'm just a manual tranny kinda guy. like having more control when doing hills while towing.