In need of help

[Lilbass]

Ok I have a 1989 Ranger with a bad 2.9L manual so I got a donor truck for cheap it’s a 1991 Ranger but it has a 3.0L with a manual. The 3.0L has low miles and runs I know people have done this swap but I need to know what to do about the wiring. Do I need to take the whole wiring harness and computer from the 91 or just the harness the plugs into the fire wall. I don’t know I just need help.

 

[RonD]

You need the engine and transmission, 2.9l trans won't bolt to 3.0l engine, just FYI

Yes, you need the computer and engine bay wiring harness from the 1991, 3.0l also had remote mounted TFI spark module, its not on the distributor like 2.9l had

There will be some wire splicing needed as the 1989 and 1991 fuse boxes are different, as is alternator wiring
There won't be any "how tos" on that part, you have to just do it one wire at a time

 

[stsalvage]

I believe so I have a friend that trying it now and not having much luck with his swap. Even tho you have the first year of this body I believe the harness did not carry over. I know the 4.0 will not work with the harness from a 2.9. Do whatever you can to take as many pictures. If you can take the dash out first. Then take pics of where the wires go. Please do not cut anything. I'm not a big fan of the 3.0 engines None of them. their weak ass heads are Junk.. But it you stay on top of the maintenance Like antifreeze every year and Keeping an eye on the heat gauge them heads will last. One last thing. the Heater cables Don't **** with them. I broke the ones on my 1991 ford ranger. Thought it be nothing to find the cables!! Ya, they're a bitch to find. Them plastic tabs that click down once you break them your up shit creek. No more ash track your now manualing the cables from under the Dash throw the ashtray area with your fingers. If you can detach the end of the cable from the heater control box you will have gold in your hand. Leave them attached to the heater controller I mean the cables every one else cuts them Big mistake.

 

[stsalvage]

it sounds like he has a donor truck that has everything. Keep the donor truck and replace small things then move on to sliding the engine into place then take the engine harness out of the other truck. and transplant it into yours. then the fun part begins. Removing the dash and detecting the harness from the firewall then re4moing your dash and putting the other dash in yours unless your dash looks better. Remember take god full a lot of Pics close up and far away pics

 

[Lilbass]

Yeah the donor truck has everything I should need but are the motor mounts the same in both trucks or am I gonna have to fab some custom ones?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yeah the donor truck has everything I should need but are the motor mounts the same in both trucks or am I gonna have to fab some custom ones?

Motor mounts are different.

Also the 3.0 is a dissapointment next to a 2.9 and if i were in your situation id sell the donor truck and buy a 2.9.

What makes you think the 2.9 is shot?

 

[Lilbass]

The 2.9L has a cracked block and it’s super rusty from sitting out in the rain with no heads on. I’m currently looking for another 2.9l because this swap doesn’t sound like a good time. Where could I find a running 2.9L with no tranny for relatively cheap?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The 2.9L has a cracked block and it’s super rusty from sitting out in the rain with no heads on. I’m currently looking for another 2.9l because this swap doesn’t sound like a good time. Where could I find a running 2.9L with no tranny for relatively cheap?

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