Hello, My 302 Swap

[joelsbored]

I joined trs years ago when i started my ranger project and recently found the time and money to get back to it. I've been using the tech library a lot and decided to join the forums and introduce myself.

I have a 94 ranger that i have rolled, rallied, wrecked, sunk, and finished by throwing a rod thru the block. i decided it needed a bigger engine, bigger tires, and everything that goes with them. I have been gathering parts and it has been sitting with a 302 sitting under the hood and a bed full of parts for 3years.

My accumulated parts consist of:

302 engine out of a 80's mustang built for the drag strip
various other parts to swap the engine
ZF 5 speed manual transmission from an 89 f-250
t-case from the same f250
explorer 8.8 with disc brakes
explorer leaf springs
knuckles, spindles, stubs, brakes and stuff from a early 90's f-150
35X12.50R15 tires
2" hockey puck body lift to fit the transmission under it
2" suspension lift blocks

I want to get it running soon so i am doing the engine/transmission for now and will install the stronger axles when i get to it or destroy the stock ones. Hoping to have it drivable within the next few weeks because I am going crazy with no off road rig and dont want to destroy my '04 f150.

I look forward to being a member of the forums and any help I get or can provide on TRS.

 

[joelsbored]

I think I have the engine swap under control but I am concerned about my axle strength.

I have the 7.5 in the rear and d35 ttb in the front with 4.10 gears. I am planing to swap in an explorer 8.8 i have to the rear and put d44 knuckles and the works from a f150 on the stock d35 in the front and go to 4.88 gears.

What do people do for lockers in the front of these or is it worth doing, and will it hold up or should i look for a solid axle intead of a hybrid ttb? I will be running 35's till i can afford a set of 37X14.50's i have had my eyes on. Will an explorer 8.8 be strong enough for 37's? I was told the engine was pushing at leat 300hp probably closer to 350hp. I like the idea of all that power but dont want it to break everything else.

I want to know what people think about my planned set up and any ideas people have. I have a good amount of fabrication ability and knowledge of what i am doing but want to make sure this is a solid truck for offroading and there are no obvious problems that could be fixed and keep me from a long walk home.

 

[trail B2]

Randy's ring and pinion rated them as Dana 35up to 35" but rated at 33",Dana 44 35" with the large u-joint,8.8 ford 33 28 spline 35 31 spline.Most people including me go past these limits but it tells you strength compared to each other.

I have a lock right and really like it an aussie would work just as good to me.I think the locker helped, in snow and mud it helped a lot.With what your doing you'll need a real Dana 35 I just bought a hybrid but i'm running 33' and a 4.0 there was a $500 dollar difference for me by the time I was done.

 

[ranger joe]

i am doing an 302 swap on an 97 ranger . you can use mustang engine mounts an oil pan .but you need the mount plates .

 

[r1hatman]

 

[dangerranger83]

x2 on the pictures.


ranger joe, you joined almost 3 years ago and this is your first post???????

 

[joelsbored]

Here are some pics from a couple years ago. I was going to take some new pictures but I broke the screen on my phone and dont have another camera.

Yesterday i cut a chunk out of my oil pan to fit where the ttb mount on the back of the engine crossmember is so i could drop the engine about 3 inches lower. i cut another piece to fill in the open spot and welded it my way, with big globs inside and out to make sure it wouldnt leak. my buddy at work said it looked like shit and to grind it down so he could weld it right. he blew big holes throught it and it looks worse than to start with so i am re-welding tomorow, then i should have it in place and hopefully get started on the motor mounts. I am working on it at the shop I work in so its hard to find time to work on it.

Ohh yeah, i got my HEI or D.U.I. style distributor in today and my advanced adapters oil filter relocation kit, fuel pump, and a few other things in yesterday. Will it be okay to use my existing fuel line to plumb in my new pump, pumping the fuel through the intake pump? I hope so, i should be able to cut the wire for the pump and still use the fuel level gauge.

 

[joelsbored]

i think i need to hit the enter key between pictures

 

[r1hatman]

Looks good.