Idea’s versus Realty

[flyinbikes]

I have a 1990 Ranger extended cab XLT that was built in September of 89. It has 2.9 v6, 5-speed trans, 4X4 Dana 28 front end, 3.73 gears and a 7.5 rear end with 10 inch drums.


I have two questions:
1.Is 4.0 swap worth doing? What all else would need to be swap?

2.If the 4.0 swap is worth it is a turbo logical and dependable? Goals for the truck DD, occasional pulling heavier pulling, general truck use, pulling trailers of wood etc. Things that it will rarely be used for if ever mudding trails etc very rough use.

What are your all opinions? All input Welcome!!!!
Jonathan

 

[RonD]

Worth is a relative term, there is dollar worth and use worth.
Truck will be worth less without original equipment to any one else but you.
More horse power is always better so worth more for your proposed use.

Legally the truck can pull loads that Ford rated it for, for the year, engine, and transmission it came with.
No matter what you change the legal limit still stands

"Can it" pull a big load, yes, "may it", that's the legal side


4.0l and 2.9l are from the same place and share the same block for the most part so it is a pretty straight forward swap, many have done it.
Swapping computer and wiring can be a daunting task, but again, many have done it so the info to do it is out there.

Turbo would be more of a complication than a bonus I would think, DDs need to be reliable and anytime you add non-stock devices to an engine you add a layer of complications.

"There is no replacement for displacement"
A stock V8 would be more dependable than a 4.0l turbo.
So if you want that extra power then the V8 would be a better choice IMO.


And then there is the money part.
Often you can find a Ranger 4x4 4.0l with a bad engine or trans and pick it up at a reasonable price, fix it then sell the still stock '90.
The price difference would usually be less than the investment in a swap, and you have a stock 4.0l Ranger that will have value on the open market.