I need some guidance

[brother rat]

I know this has been hashed and re-hashed. I've read up a lot on this forum and other sources. Here's the deal: '94, 2.3, auto, 2WD. The 2.3/auto is just too anemic. So I'm considering the options and I'm just looking to bounce some ideas around and get feedback.
4.0 swap? 3.0L swap? I'm in California so engine swaps like this can cause some complications. Turbo? I want to keep the auto trans. Going the turbo route means losing A/C? Swap in an SVO/tbird motor or add a turbo to the current motor? A turbo build would certainly be mild, reliability is king.
Currently it rolls on 14" wheels. They don't bother me too much, but I would like to go to 15's and tires somewhere between 225's and 30's. That would mean regearing. Current axle is 8.8" (swapped by previous owner), I'm pretty sure the ratio is 3.55. I could just keep the current engine setup and regear, but I live in SoCal, so I need to be able to consistently run 75 mph on the freeway. L/S will be in the works regardless.
Lots of different options and variables. I'm trying to get some feedback. I'm pretty good with routine maintenance, but I'm no mechanic. The last engine swap I did was in Mexico, using a 2x4 nailed to a tree trunk as an engine hoist and the only tools we used were a couple of crescent wrenches and a hammer.
Anyway, I'm not looking to build a racecar. Previously, I had a 4.0L Jeep Cherokee and I was pretty satisfied with that level of performance. That's kind of what I'm looking for. Again, reliability is king.
Thanks!

 

[enjr44]

My Two Cents

And not worth that.

Sell your truck and buy the one you need/want. If you look at your labor, the cost of the parts and the California clean air requirements you are just setting yourself up for trouble. I would bet you would be money ahead in the long run.

Modern Rangers are computerized and all the systems so interconnected that you will be sorting out problems for months. Not to mention that your truck's value will be about half of what it would/should be after the swap. Most folks would not touch it after the swap. I know I wouldn't!!

Just my two cents, Ed

 

[RonD]

I would agree with enjr44.

Sell the stock '94 2.3l ranger and get something with a bigger engine.

Swaps mean lots of down time and almost endless bits and pieces that can drain your wallet unless you buy a wrecked '94 Ranger with a stock 4.0l/auto that you can use as a donor vehicle.

If you like the idea of a swap then look for a Ranger that someone has already swapped in a V8, resale price is low on swaps, as enjr44 said, so you could get what you want.
As far as reliable.............well I guess you get what you pay for, but not even that is a guaranty, new cars can be lemons.

 

[Earl43P]

I'd throw a junkyard 4.10 rear axle under it.

You won't have any problem with high speed and 4.10 ratio.

I have direct experience with smaller diameter tires (similar to an axle ratio change).
You can't put into words the difference a gear ratio change will do for an ulow-powered motor (in my case, a 3.0 4wd). Night and day. My change was 5.5% if I remember right, 246/75-16 down to 235/75-15.

Here's a calculator, similar to the one in our Tech Library. I like that this one has the power/economy color bar.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php

 

[brother rat]

Thanks for your feedback.
I had thought about selling it off and just getting a different truck. But I've had it since '97, and I probably won't be getting rid of it soon.
I will look into regearing as the most likely option.