jegs kit

[5.0 red rocket]

allright i did something stupid i think. i just bought a v8 conversion kit for a 89 ranger 4x4 out of the jegs catalog, been hearing that the headers wont work, anyone have any input on that

 

[Psychopete]

What is the mfr and model # of the headers?

 

[JoeyB]

Not sure. I looked at Jegs website and couldn't find the kit. The headsers will be the wild card. Here are a few photos of my build and maybe this will help. Mine is an 87 4x4 with a 5 speed. It's been a challenge but will be worth it. I got most of my stuff from James Duff and everything has fit. Do a lot of research before buying anything. http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/member.php?u=23001

 

[RangerFabWorks]

http://www.jegs.com/i/Trans+Dapt/969/9716K/10002/-1

is that the kit? if so, no those headers wont work on a 4x4

2wd they might work

 

[JoeyB]

FYI...if that is the kit the other thing you might have a problem with is the oil relocation kit. If the ports on that kit face out (like the oil filter) and not forward (facing the radiator) it probably will not fit. You won't have enough room between the ports and the power steering box. I've already made that mistake, so maybe I can save you some time and headaches.

 

[hellfirejim]

what is the "correct" oil filter relocation kit to use???? I only want to do this once. also i saw from looking at kits that some are not complete....missing things like mounting bracket for the oil filter ans such... any help would be appreciated..
jim

 

[JoeyB]

When I started down the conversion road I talk to James Duff about a lot of things. They are pretty knowledge about the parts needed to do the conversion and had good ideas for areas I need help with. Keep in mind every conversion is different and some parts people say fit might not. Go into this with a open mind and be prepaird for some snags, mods, etc.. The one big thing I have learned is sometimes you don't get the details you need.

Examples: I bought an electric fan a company said would work. The messurments were not accurate and the water pump I have has a longer neck. The fan did not fit. A waste of about an hour and now sending parts back. More time. Same story on the oil relocation kit. Told a company what I was doing and they still sent me parts that didn't work. Details where not explored once again. A waste of more time and shipping cost. The details are very important. Use this website to it's fullest. There are a lot of good people on here and the tech section is very good. http://www.jamesduff.com/

Look at these few links. They will help get you started. I hope this helps.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/AAInstructions.html
http://www.jamesduff.com/broncoII/v8conversion.html

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Headers are an easy part. A little tweaking might be needed to clear some things. When I built my long-tubes, I ended up replacing the rag joints on my steering shaft with universal joints to gain some clearance. Then the number 8 cylinder header pipe actually goes over the steering shaft and loops back around between the shaft and the frame rail to meet the others down below at the collector. Columbia River mandrel bending supplied the tubes and the bends, if you're interested. Anyways, some manufacturers claim their headers only fit with a certain engine mount... and if that has any merit, then the kit you purchased should get you in the ballpark. There will most likely be some modification on your part. You might have to position the engine to one side a hair, or move it back or forward.

Since you're truck is a 4x4, I have heard numerous times that a body lift helps tremendously.

 

[847b]

I have a 351W and those Hedman headers did not clear steering components. You may have better luck with a 302 idk. You should anticipate having to make a few minor modifications such as small notches in the frame or putting small dimples in the tubes with a torch and hammer. I built my own fender well exit headers and never looked back.

From Jegs, an oil filter kit like this is what you need: Ford Racing #397-M-6881-C100. Notice how the ports are perpendicular to the oil filter boss; this provides maximum clearance from steering components. The spin on adapter has ports on both sides so you have more flexibility on where you want the oil lines to point.

Trans-Dapt makes a similar kit except they use hoses that are light green/blue in color with crimped on fittings. I bought this kit but I would not recommend it because the hoses are of poor quality. The hose might be some kind of garden hose and is very prone to kinking. The crimped on fittings were decent but this fixed the hose length which may/ may not work well for your setup. I threw away the hoses and used AN fittings with Pro Flow hose.

If you want to buy the components individually, the filter mount is Trans Dapt 1045 and the spin on adapter is Trans Dapt 1413.

As Joey B pointed out, fan to radiator clearance may be snug. Measure carefully before buying. For V-belt applications, Ford Racing offers a water pump that is 1.5" shorter but costs $150 as my wallet can vouch for. Or move the radiator ahead a bit by taking the dremmel or cut off and trimming some of the core support.

Overall, a small block Ford fits nicely in a Ranger. Nothing major should have to be done, just a little here and a little there. You'll probably be a much happier person if you can drive another vehicle while the swap is under way so you are not in a "I have to get this finished by Monday morning" mindset.

 

[847b]

X2 on the universal joints. They free up a lot of room and make the steering more precise!

 

[dagoof]

When I built my long-tubes, I ended up replacing the rag joints on my steering shaft with universal joints to gain some clearance.

X2 on the universal joints. They free up a lot of room and make the steering more precise!

Any details?

I'm having the same problem right now. My headers rub on the rag joint, but I can't seem to find a universal joint that fits.

Where did you guys get yours?

 

[Gotta_gofast]

flamingriver.com

 

[RangerFabWorks]

what size are the joints needed?

 

[Capt Jay]

I agree with most everything written here except do get anything from Duff. Their stuff is substandard. The only thing I have of their's left on my truck is the oil filter relocation kit that they don't even offer anymore. Their headers are so bad it would have taken less time to build my own and their motor mounts broke. Just remember to take your time and don't have the "good enough" mentality. A body lift helps a lot. You might have to do some bending, tweaking and banging with a BFH. When your done it's worth it just to say you did it. Good luck and have fun.

 

[JoeyB]

Sorry you had such a bad experience with Duff Capt Jay. They have been extremely helpful to me. Just curious...what happen to your headers? They do still offer the relocation kit because I got one 2 weeks ago.