motor question

[85ranger]

which years of ranger motors would go into an 85 ranger without too much hassle? its a v6 auto,2wd
thx.

 

[RobbieD]

If "without too much hassle" is a main concern your best approach may be to just plug in a fresh 2.8L. The two main things to consider if you're transplanting a different engine is a) the engine mangement and b) the fuel system. The 85 V6's were originally carberated, so if you change to anything that's fuel-injected you're looking at needing the later electric fuel pump and lines. To make a newer engine run right you'll need the engine computer for it, with all of the associated sensors, ect. Just throwing some opinion your way; anything can be done. The 2.8L engine management can be its own nightmare, although there is the Duraspark option.

 

[JoshT]

What's to much hassle mean to you?

IIRC the only V6 that came in the 85 models was the 2.8L, so an 83m 84, or 85 would be the least hassle. If you didn't mind swapping in quite a bit of wiring any year 2.9 would fit. That also holds true for any 3.0 or 4.0 used in Rangers, but they would also require transmission swap. I believe the same goes for most of the 4 bangers.

For about the same amount of work as a 3.0 or 4.0, you could put in a 302 or 351 (neither of which were ever stock in a Ranger). Doing so would require engine, transmission, driveshaft, rear end (possibly), cooling system and wiring mods how much depends on whether you go EFI or carbed.