going to swap eventually, what should I look for?

[grantcoop3r]

I've got a 92 ranger dune truck. its got a 2.9, and it runs great now, but its got 280k and the previous owner took it mudding at least a few times on 44s and a stock rear axel.

since I've got plenty of time, i want to start looking for a donor now so i can hopefully get a good deal or a much nicer engine.

from what I've read there's quite a few different v8s that would work, but I'm wondering if anyone knows what the easiest/ best swap would be? ideally id like to find something that's been crashed or something so i can just pull out everything i need and drop it in.

any advice/recommendations or links to how i can figure it out on my own would be greatly appreciated

 

[grantcoop3r]

forgot to add, its an automatic and started as a 2wd im assuming because it has a dana 30 front

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Explorer V8 or Thunderbird/SN95 Mustang would be the easiest in my opinion. The Explorer has the shortest front accessory drive parts, while the Thunderbird and SN95 Mustang has the 2nd shortest parts. I used a 92 Thunderbird 5.0 in mine (same as the SN95 5.0 engines) and it fit wonderfully. I like how the curved upper intake from the SN95 fits. They also had Cobra upper intakes in those years that were also curved.

Here's mine, though I've added A/C since this picture was taken, so it's changed a little around the heater plenum area.

 

[grantcoop3r]

Explorer V8 or Thunderbird/SN95 Mustang would be the easiest in my opinion. The Explorer has the shortest front accessory drive parts, while the Thunderbird and SN95 Mustang has the 2nd shortest parts. I used a 92 Thunderbird 5.0 in mine (same as the SN95 5.0 engines) and it fit wonderfully. I like how the curved upper intake from the SN95 fits. They also had Cobra upper intakes in those years that were also curved.

Here's mine, though I've added A/C since this picture was taken, so it's changed a little around the heater plenum area.

View attachment 61999

this gives me a great place to start, thanks. one thing I haven't looked into at all yet, do people typically keep the old tranny or swap in whatever tranny came with the engine? Assuming it was a donor car and not one that had already been pulled

 

[Bird76Mojo]

If you're looking to keep 4x4 then you'll probably want a 4x4 M5OD transmission. Possibly a ZF5. You'll have to ask the other guys here what models it will have to come from. I'm not up to speed on them myself.

I went with the T5Z from Modern Driveline for my 2 wheel drive. I should have gone to a 6 speed though. They're not that much more expensive. Then, wouldn't you know it, Tremec comes out with their new TKX a couple years after I finish my build. Dicks.

 

[grantcoop3r]

If you're looking to keep 4x4 then you'll probably want a 4x4 M5OD transmission. Possibly a ZF5. You'll have to ask the other guys here what models it will have to come from. I'm not up to speed on them myself.

I went with the T5Z from Modern Driveline for my 2 wheel drive. I should have gone to a 6 speed though. They're not that much more expensive. Then, wouldn't you know it, Tremec comes out with their new TKX a couple years after I finish my build. Dicks.

thanks for the awesome help again man

 

[Curious Hound]

Your current transmission will not bolt up to a v8. The bellhousing is wrong. So, if using a 5.0l, you will need a transmission from an Explorer or F150 that had the 5.0l in it.

 

[grantcoop3r]

Your current transmission will not bolt up to a v8. The bellhousing is wrong. So, if using a 5.0l, you will need a transmission from an Explorer or F150 that had the 5.0l in it.

for the motor, I see a lot of people do explorer swaps, does anyone do f150 swaps? there are quite a few in my area for cheep

 

[Curious Hound]

The F150 5.0l isn’t quite as compact. Its easier with the Explorer engine because front ent accessory brackets, exhaust manifolds, intake, etc, are already designed to fit the smaller engine bay.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Here's mine, though I've added A/C since this picture was taken, so it's changed a little around the heater plenum area.

Can you post a pic with the A/C setup? I've wanted to build a Bronco II and thought about using the Explorer 5.0L, but I want air conditioning because it's hot here in Texas. I was thinking that I'd have to stick with a 4.0L swap so there's still room for the heater / AC box on the firewall. I'm curious how you got it all to fit, and does the A/C do a good job if you've had to modify the blower box.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Can you post a pic with the A/C setup? I've wanted to build a Bronco II and thought about using the Explorer 5.0L, but I want air conditioning because it's hot here in Texas. I was thinking that I'd have to stick with a 4.0L swap so there's still room for the heater / AC box on the firewall. I'm curious how you got it all to fit, and does the A/C do a good job if you've had to modify the blower box.

Have you checked my A/C thread?