Looking to upgrade 2.9

[VenA]

I recently purchased a 1987 Ranger (4WD, Auto) and would love some advice on upgrade options. Currently a daily driver, but planning to keep it as long as possible. I am not looking for power or performance, just reliable and high life expectancy. Any advice welcome, explain like I know nothing if that helps lol.

 

[RobbieD]

Not really "upgrades" here, but with a new-to-me '87 vintage 2.9 with an auto, in all sincerity, I'd start with a couple of maintenance items.

First, go over the engine coolant system with a fine-tooth comb. In Alaska you don't have it as bad as us Southerners, but both the 2.9 and the A4LD auto get extremely unhappy if they get overheated.

A thicker core radiator for a 4.0 Ranger, or an Explorer, is a popular upgrade.

The auto trans should also have a secondary fluid cooler.

Then, just the normal stuff- oil and filter, air filter, etc.

Welcome to TRS.

We'd love to see pics of your truck.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

The A4LD will benefit from a shift kit and some valve body work plus adjusting the bands. New filter and fluid obviously. There’s a bunch of information on it around here. The firmer the shifts and better you can reduce slippage, the less heat the transmission will build.

Definitely the 4.0 rad on the 2.9 and give it a good tune-up.

If you’re considering motor swaps, there really isn’t anything that goes in without getting into electrical work. So you need to be comfortable with doing wiring to do a motor swap. Beyond that, the 4.0 OHV is the easiest followed by the 5.0 from an Explorer. The modern engine swap would be like a 2.3 EcoBoost or 3.5