motor change

[Mick]

Will a 2.9 out of a 1988 ranger bolt into a 1991 Ranger with an automatic transmission? The 91 Ranger had a 4.0 in it.

 

[heptofite]

why in the world would you want to do that?

 

[Bennybooster]

why in the world would you want to do that?

x100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000


It would take a little work, but yes. Its the same tranny. Anyways why would you want a older less powerful engine that gets the same gas milage?

 

[Mick]

Found the 91 with no motor and just found a 88 motor. Tough trying to find a 4.0. When you say it will be tough or hard work what do you mean by that it is a direct bolt in. What about the harness?

 

[RustedRanger]

I have never looked for a 4.0 or a 2.9 but from what I have read here 4.0s are much more common.

 

[Psychopete]

Found the 91 with no motor and just found a 88 motor. Tough trying to find a 4.0. When you say it will be tough or hard work what do you mean by that it is a direct bolt in. What about the harness?

Best best would be to find a 2.9L harness for a '91, the 4.0L harness is completely different. Will also need the 2.9L computer. Direct bolt in as in engine will mount in and bell housing patterns are the same.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

To Mick,
I have not done such a swap but from what I've read you need a different starter and flex plate? The wiring harness and computer from the donor truck would probably make things easier too. Wiring diagrams from both years.
To the others who posted,
Sometimes people use what they have, it may not be ideal, but it works. I know, I've been there.

Richard

 

[Psychopete]

Thing about the donor '88 harness is that there's a shit load of differences, I couldn't see myself wanting to install an '88 "fuse link" harness, over a '91 harness that will go right in with the power distribution box. But then again, I guess it comes down to what you want to deal with..

 

[4.0B2]

The wiring and computer WILL be needed as they are different.

But just find a 4.0... I've had both in my b2 and you'll want the 4.0

 

[Mick]

So I will need a starter and flex Plate? Gents I do not want to sound stupid here but if you dont know ya ask correct?

 

[4.0B2]

You'll have to use the 2.9 flex plate and starter of the 2.9 they are different

And I understand why you ask.. Just doesn't seem like all that work would make sense, unless you just cannot find a 4.0 and have been looking for months. No junkyards around?

 

[AllanD]

Uhhh.... The 4.0 flexplate is exactly the same

And the 4.0 starter will work on the 2.9.

Doing this the other way around doesn't work as the bulkier 2.9 starter won't
fit a 4.0 due to the presense of some reinforcement ribs on the block.

but I'll repeat the same thought others have had... WHY?

4.0's were produced in much larger quantities than 2.9's and are a much better more reliable engine.

AD

 

[Mick]

AD,

What about the wiring harness? Im just putting a truck together for my daughter and I think the 2.9 would be fine for her. I just bought the 91 wrecked and the motor (4.0) was pulled and found a 2.9 thus the reasons for the questions. I have been looking for a 4.0 just cant find one. In regards to the rearend. Is the 91 better than a 89? I believe the 91 has a 9" and the 89 has a 8.8" is this correct?

 

[superds]

Try looking for an Explorer as a donor for the engine. The 91-94 Explorers had 4.0s and should be pretty much identical to what was in the 91 Ranger. Later Explorers still had the 4.0 but added OBDII and probably had different engine harnesses.

As far as rearends, the 91 with the 4.0 has an 8.8" rearend and the 89 would have a 7.5" rearend unless it was some weird model configuration that happened to come with an 8.8" (I've heard this was possible, but super rare, probably chassis cabs only). The 83+ Ranger never had a 9" rearend from the factory.