Looking For Input On Potential Swap

[88WTM]

Ok...I have an 88 with the 2.3 puss-foot four banger mated to a 5 speed. I just came up on the option to get a 97 with the 3.0 liter and an auto for 200 bucks...the whole truck with 100k on the ticker! Is this kind of engine swap a huge PITA or reasonably done? I have the facility and ability to do it...just wondering if it would be worth while. I don't have the cheese to go all out with a v8 and I honestly just want a little more umph under the hood...my truck is just a toy/beater anyway!

Thanks a lot folks!
Rob

 

[Hahnsb2]

IMHO you're not really going to gain anything with a 3.0/auto. At least get a 5 speed to make it somewhat worthwhile, 4.0s a much better choice IMO.

 

[88WTM]

IMHO you're not really going to gain anything with a 3.0/auto. At least get a 5 speed to make it somewhat worthwhile, 4.0s a much better choice IMO.

Well, that's what I'm contemplating...if it's worth the effort or not. I would like to keep my truck a 5 speed so I would have to shop around for a tranny to mate to the new 3.0. For the price of the complete truck I'm really thinking about doing it, but on the other hand I'm thinking about just doing some kind of CAI and exhaust and maybe see if I can do anything else to spruce up the little 4.

Thanks for the input...really hoping to get some good advice from you guys to help make my mind up....to swap or not to swap!

Thanks,
Rob

 

[scotts90ranger]

is the '97 in decent shape? if so, sell the '88 and just upgrade...

the easiest way would be to swap the whole engine, tranny, dash (would take some thinkin) and all wiring.

 

[88WTM]

is the '97 in decent shape? if so, sell the '88 and just upgrade...

the easiest way would be to swap the whole engine, tranny, dash (would take some thinkin) and all wiring.

Well, not really...IMO. First, it's wrecked in the ass-end. Second, it's a regular cab...my 88 is a super cab and being 6 foot tall the ranger is as small a truck as I can stand to own LOL! If I did the swap, it would be a complete engine and tranny swap. Not sure on the dash part although I understand why you say that. I may just do a custom gauge setup or something. Whether to do this or not is still presently up in the air...I just hate to pass up on the 3 liter. It may not be a powerhouse, but it has to be better than the 2.3 I have!

Rob

 

[hotrod]

I used to have a 91 ranger reg cab long bed with a 3.0 5 spd. It had 13???? miles and was pretty quick.I was told it had a 5.0 cam in it and bigger injectors but dont know if this is possible could be B/S. I had 1 1/2 ton on it and the power was there just not the suspension. personally I prefer the 3.0 over the 4.0 as I have had early exploders and thought the power sucked. They did have high miles and a heavier vehicle to move but I wasn't impressed. I would save up and drop a 302/5.0 though( unless you find a 4.0 dohc motor.). Its a lot of work so why go through it twice. Thats my thoughts Rod

 

[88WTM]

I used to have a 91 ranger reg cab long bed with a 3.0 5 spd. It had 13???? miles and was pretty quick.I was told it had a 5.0 cam in it and bigger injectors but dont know if this is possible could be B/S. I had 1 1/2 ton on it and the power was there just not the suspension. personally I prefer the 3.0 over the 4.0 as I have had early exploders and thought the power sucked. They did have high miles and a heavier vehicle to move but I wasn't impressed. I would save up and drop a 302/5.0 though( unless you find a 4.0 dohc motor.). Its a lot of work so why go through it twice. Thats my thoughts Rod

Funny you mentioned the 4.0. I just stumbled across a 91 explorer with the 4.0...may have the chance to pick it up cheap. If I do I will probably get that over the regular cab with a 3.0. As of right now I'm still researching the swaps to see what all both require. Also, I'm wanting to see which one has a better market for upgrades....the 3.0 or the 4.0. That may play a part in my decision as well.

Any thoughts?

Rob