I could use some help deciding on motor/trans

[AirborneJordan]

Well to start I am putting this in the general topic because it is not really tech based. First of, the specs of my rig. It is a 1986 Ext cab 4x4 With a 2.9ltr with a auto tranny with over drive. It has a 6" skyjacker lift with 33x12.5 BFG's. A D35 W/lockright in the front and a 31 Spline 8.8 in the rear all with 4.56 gears. I am working on thinking ahead on what I should do in the long run. The current truck leaks from just about every thing that has fluid in more than one place. Most of the leak are more like seeping and not really dripping. The motor runs good and the auto tranny works fine other then the leaks. But what I am wondering is what are your guys opinions on a motor/tranny combo. I have been reading up on the 4.0 and the 5.0. But I am not sure what route I would like to go. I use the truck as a DD. I also plow snow with it in the winter. I like to think of my self as a pretty good mechanic so i think I can tackle just about any thing. I would like something that is not to hard to figure out tho. What would you guys suggest that would be the most piratical? May be even just a good re-build of the 2.9 and give the stock tranny some good love? humm...I am just not sure what route to go.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

a 4.0l will more or less just bolt into your truck, you even have the FI fuel pressure for the injectors. It will give you more power and probably keep similar gas mileage.

 

[erocka1982]

i put a 5.0 in my old ranger. the best thing i did was buy a complete donor vehicle. that way, any parts or wiring was already there. made it way easy! if your lookin to drive it alot, i wouldnt go with the 5.0 mine got pretty poor gas milage

 

[AirborneJordan]

I plan on using the truck as a Daily driver for the most part. Very mild off road use. I have a built Samurai for that. A am leaning toward a 4.0. My last ranger had one and I really liked it. It ran great. I have other cars to drive but i just really like my ranger. The gas milage would be nice.

 

[AirborneJordan]

a 4.0l will more or less just bolt into your truck, you even have the FI fuel pressure for the injectors. It will give you more power and probably keep similar gas mileage.

I am working on re searching this swap. you say it is almost a direct bolt in. That would be nice. Is there a "better" tranny to use? All the threads I have been reading up on are either a BII, or a newer ranger. I have not found a whole lot regaurding a old ranger. Could someone post a link or two abot swapping into a Gen 1 ranger.

 

[Ozwynn]

I would use what ever transmission came with your 4.0L. For some reason it just doesn't feel right using an A4LD from a 2.9L behind 4.0L...... if its a manual then none of the manual transmissions from the 2.9L will stand up to the 4.0L except for the M5odR1.... but there are only a handfull of 2.9's with one of those.