Interested in a 4x4 302 swap into an 86

[Griffen-Mecham]

Hey guys I'm new to posting on the forum. I've been looking into a 302 swap down the road. I currently have the 2.9 with a 5 speed and have been wanting to become more knowledgeable in the subject of motor swaps. I've watched all the videos I can find but nothing goes very in depth. I want to keep the original dash, gauge cluster, etc. I have the goal of changing the interior as little as possible. Is there a way to keep my existing gauges and still swap? If so how much greif is it to re wire the speedometer, fuel, temp, etc. I know next to nothing on motor swaps and want as much knowledgeable on the subject as I can get to start accumulating parts on the budget I have (non existent). I plan on accumulating all parts over time. Any advice on where to start would be greatly appreciated.

 

[2011Supercab]

A couple articles for you to read

1986 2.9L To 5.0L Engine Wiring - The Ranger Station

By ‘Dishtowel’ The Lincoln’s (Ford) 5.0L V-8 This wiring guide is derived from my experience installing a Ford 5.0L EFI engine from a Lincoln Town Car into a 1986 Ford Bronco II that had a 2.9L V-6. That is what this … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

V-8 Swaps - 1983-1997 Ford Rangers - The Ranger Station

Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles for smog & engine requirements. Certain states, such as California, require the same year or newer engine as the vehicle. Download The Advance Adapters Booklet HERE Also Check Out Advance Adapters Manual On-Line … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[rock_hard_pp]

I'm looking to do something very similar except I want to do fitech or holley efi for my swap. I'll see how much I can help out as I go with my swap, rn I'm rebuilding the junkyard 5.0 so I'm not close to done yet

 

[sgtsandman]

While I don't know the details, I do know that you want an engine from a donor close in year make to your truck to make the swap as simple and easy as possible. Ideally, you would want the donor sitting right next to your vehicle so you can grab all that you need from it. Of hand, the wire harness and computer are going to be needed, as well as a compatible transmission. You may need to have driveshafts adapted in order to get them to fit.

Beint that you have a manual, the bell housings are engine specific. So, your current transmission will not work, and probably couldn't handle the increased power and torque from the engine anyway.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hey guys I'm new to posting on the forum. I've been looking into a 302 swap down the road. I currently have the 2.9 with a 5 speed and have been wanting to become more knowledgeable in the subject of motor swaps. I've watched all the videos I can find but nothing goes very in depth. I want to keep the original dash, gauge cluster, etc. I have the goal of changing the interior as little as possible. Is there a way to keep my existing gauges and still swap? If so how much greif is it to re wire the speedometer, fuel, temp, etc. I know next to nothing on motor swaps and want as much knowledgeable on the subject as I can get to start accumulating parts on the budget I have (non existent). I plan on accumulating all parts over time. Any advice on where to start would be greatly appreciated.

Speedo shouldnt be an issue. Its cable driven. You might need to get a longer cable depending on the trans you go with (yes itll need changed too), and possibly the drive gear on the end of the cable.

Fuel gauge shouldnt be an issue either. Espicially if you run the stock pump/pickup assembly.

As far as temp and oil...im not sure. Itll pry depend on the era of the engine you pick up. I would *guess* you would be safe with a 302 from atleast the late 70's up through the 80's. Possibly earlier and later too...just not sure how the senders changed over the years.

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd be willing to bet even the latest 5.0 has the same ports for oil and temp senders as the 2.9. Just use them.