getting a 86 ranger 4+4 with 2.9 and 5 speed manual

[Bear in the woods]

the main things I am wondering about are. I Have a 1990 ranger. What parts WILL Interchange and what will not. Both are 2.9 5 speed manual transmission 4+4
typical old 2.9. The 86 only needs head work to be driving again. And comes with a new head. Wasn’t expecting a new project, was looking for parts. But for the price, couldn’t pass it up .. just wanted to pick everyones heads for knowledge

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Basically everything is the same except sheetmetal and dash.

The 86 will have a toyo kogyo or mitsu trans...the 90 a mazda i believe

 

[Bear in the woods]

Basically everything is the same except sheetmetal and dash.

The 86 will have a toyo kogyo or mitsu trans...the 90 a mazda i believe

Thanks now I need to decide whether to make 1 really nice one from the two. and possibly put the extra manual transmission in my 99. It’s automatic transmission is down. Or build both the 86 and 90. all sound good. Lol

 

[gaz]

There is more,
•The 90 is 2nd gen, different front end, dash, steering column, wire harness. Even the way the harness is routed is different. It uses a "Y" pipe from the manifolds.
• 86 is 100% 1st Gen front to back with an EGR valve 2.9 and the larger inside diameter throttle body. It uses a true dual (potential) exhaust "H" pipe from the manifolds.

 

[Bear in the woods]

Best part about the 86. I will own it by simply digging and replacing a 80 ft water line. And cutting down and pilling a dead plum tree.

 

[Josh B]

I'd suggest getting the best one going and use the other for parts, until you get a third one

 

[scotts90ranger]

The transmissions in the 2.9L's were kinda random after '87 when everything else had the M5OD, some of them got the M5OD and others had the FM I believe even through to '92 from what I remember...

Like said, everything else is pretty similar but different... it'll have a D28 up front and a 1350 T case so different than the D35 and 1354 case... assuming your '90 is past the breakpoint... the drivelines will be different at the rear axle since the older one will have the older smaller joint and it's before the RABS was a thing so no speed sensor in the rear axle...

 

[Bear in the woods]

What all would I need to do to the engine to get it to wire in correctly in the 90 model? While I build a motor for the 86. all sensors I’m guessing. What else?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Mechanically they should be identical aside from possibly the EGR and throttle like noted above, the main differences will be external... With the engines side by side wouldn't be a big deal... don't think fuel injectors or anything big changed unless the '90 is serpentine but that's just external stuff too...

 

[gaz]

I'm uncertain which engine you want where but the 86 has EGR fittings and attachment holes on the exhaust manifolds that will not be used on the 90 (plugged) and the contrary is the 90 will need the 86's exhaust manifolds to work correctly in the 86.

 

[Bear in the woods]

I'm uncertain which engine you want where but the 86 has EGR fittings and attachment holes on the exhaust manifolds that will not be used on the 90 (plugged) and the contrary is the 90 will need the 86's exhaust manifolds to work correctly in the 86.

Was thinking since the engine in the 86 has only a couple thousand miles on it. I could use it to keep the 90 going while I try locate A 302 to build and all other parts needed. Also was wondering whether the 8.8 rear end would transfer from the 99 to the 90 or even the 86

 

[scotts90ranger]

Any Ranger axle will bolt into any Ranger, '93 and later are a touch wider (an inch ish), the main difference is the driveline flange changed in '90, the strength difference between a 28 spline 8.8 and a 7.5 are fairly small since only the ring gear is bigger, same axle shafts.

 

[Bear in the woods]

Thanks Scott

 

[Josh B]

I thought the Explorer was wider but measured a 96 Explorer and a 93 Ranger a couple days ago and both measured 49 inches inside tire to tire

 

[gaz]

If using the 86 2.9l in the 90 chassis you could use the 90 exhaust manifolds on the 86 engine or plug the EGR boss on the driver's side manifold.