Good or Bad Idea

[tgallmey]

The 2.9 in my 92 is about toast. I can get a 2.3l 4D55t from a 86 Ranger with less than 100k (It is true) and ran great when pulled. My 92 is a Regular cab shortbed 4x4 with 4.10s 6 inch lift and will be running 33s or 35s. Yall think this motor would be fine in it. Will it do everything a 2.9 will do? I will be getting the Motor, motor and frame mounts, Harness, 4x4 Tranny and transfer. I already know the electricals will be fun lol square plug doesnt fit in my circular cab harness lol

 

[Brandon12]

Why not go bigger with the 4.0 rather than smaller since the 4.0 will be an easier swap anyways I believe. Correct me if im wrong but im gunna go with bad idea.

 

[redneckfordranger1986]

^^^^ i second that 4.0

 

[superds]

I don't think it's a bad idea. Diesels are good. It might be a bit underpowered but there must be some tuning you can do to that engine to squeeze a few more ponies out of it.

I don't know much about that 2.3 diesel but if you were keeping the 2.9 you probably wouldn't want to go much bigger than 33s with the 4.10 gears. My '90 2.9 4x4 doesn't like interstate (70+ mph) speeds much with my 32" tires and 3.73 gears. It will hold speeds ok but going uphill or against the wind isn't much fun, and my fuel economy suffers at any sustained high speeds. But maybe the 2.3 diesel is different if it likes to hang out in low rpms.