Converting 2.9 liter 4x4 1990 XLT 5 speed to the 2.3 Ecoboost with 6 speed

[RangerDon1951]

Talked to Ford Performance. Converting from a 2.9 to a 2.3 Ecoboost. I will need to upgrade my rear end to the 8.5 differential. Explorer with 31 spline is recommended. Would need to convert the power steering to an electric format which I need help with. Suggestions? Is the stock front 4x4 axle adequate? Will buy a packgage with a 6 speed manual. Would like to convert to electric windows and doors. Doable? Want to upgrade all around with the braking system. I am not interested in lifting the body. I rather go with some performance shocks and strengthen the sway bars from front and back. I am assuming a totally new fuel system from tank to fuel lines and pump. I like the 15 inch rims on there now. Stay with the metallic Ford Oval Blue for paint. Retain the ivory two tone trim on the bottom. Body and bed is in pristine condition.

So, buy the major components or find a donor Bronco that is relatively new. Suggestions?

Plan B would be shorten the truck bed a bit and convert the extended cab to 4 doors and a true back seat. Cannabalize two door to adapt with a post in between? Maybe even go "suicide" style? That gets pricey.

 

[SenorNoob]

I don't really have much to contribute except to say: Please take lots of pictures.

There are electric power steering pumps out there. Search "Volvo EPAS" You could retain the stock column and steering gear that way.
8.5 is a GM axle. The Explorer part everyone talks about is the 8.8.
There are aftermarket kits for adding power locks and windows to almost anything. I've considered some of them myself.
How do you plan to stay 4x4 with the 6 speed? I thought they were all 2wd in Mustangs. Divorced transfer case?
If you retain the D35 front axle, it can be upgraded with 95-97 outers for dual piston brakes. The caliper bracket on them is removeable so later upgrades are easier.
If the body is truly pristine I wouldn't go cutting things up for a backseat. If you do, might look at 1st gen (91-94) Explorers or Bronco 2s for ideas.

 

[Bill]

It sounds like an expensive project. The 2.3 ecoboost is the same as the 2.3 L Duratec (Mazda L engine). It's taller than the other engines and is the reason why the Rangers started using the "Powerdome" hood in 2001. So, you will probably have to make modifications for the height. If you don't want to convert the steering to electric the Ecoboost engines retain most of the mounting points as the Duratec. So, you could probably use a power steering pump from a Duratec.

 

[bobbywalter]

who did you talk to?

lots of ways to do this.


obviously a money is no object project is much easier...


budget has a few options.


assuming you are running the 90 ttb chassis with a d35.

this chassis presents a few issues depending on goals. the mazda l was never offered in the chassis and it is different in pan configuration and height then the lima. so far my preliminary layouts indicate a 3 in body lift mitigates the issues.

4wd adds some options to aid with clearance for the high pressure fuel pump and longitudul orientation setup.

depending on the type of wheeling you do...it can help prioritize mods and costs...
say...running a doubler for the t case will allow the engine to go forward instead of the t case rearward and drivelines to remain intact. this is particularly nice with a bronco 2 application. the engine is light enough and short enough it is a win win to move the engine forward for hpfp clearance. i know i would rather customize the shifter then driveshafts to get going..and saves on differential gearing allowing you to run normal factory axles..


you can use the 2.3 mazda L ranger trans....though it is not strong enough to beat the balls off of it... its a cheap start....and very workable. i started looking into the eec6 systems but ran out of time before figuring out if it was configurable to run the 5r55 with a front drive 2.0 engine simple enough. if this gets worked out then this will be a sweet ass swap....

or run the esslinger adapter setup to get onto a r2.....or zf or other fullsize windsor platform trans...

you can adapt the ford ranger 2.3 L powersteering pump....not easy but doable.


there are several ways to get the electronics going. i intend on going with ant steering....which they can hook you up with electric powersteering options as well.


these engines were dirt cheap for a long time in front drive. but they are aging and shrinking in junkyard population and people are starting to use them and costs are moving up... i was hoping they would move down more. the rear drive ranger stuff is going down from 4-5 k to 2-2500 dollar range now...which really is not tooo bad.......just not ever going to be 5-600 dollar down like the 2.0s were.


there are alot of merkur miata ranger fox ecoboob 4 cyl cars out there running m5odr1's....

blowing up transmissions is half the fun of any swap.