Need Atlanta engine swap on the cheap

[Rick W]

I’m a newbie. I “inherited” a 1987 Ranger XLT, 4x4, 5-speed, short cab, short bed. It’s a solid little truck, everything works pretty good, but the T code 2.9 V6 is freeze-broken or threw a rod. I found a matching replacement with all the add-ons. I’m looking for someone in the Atlanta area to swap the motors for little money. My regular mechanic does the high end stuff, and this truck is not worth a lot, but I’d like to get it running.

I’m looking for a low budget swap, not rebuilt, not restored, I don’t care about a drip or two, not worried about a scratch in the process. I’m not in a hurry, but would like it soon.

i can deliver the truck and the engine.

any help graciously appreciated.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Did you ask your mechanic?

I had mine quote me 400 to remove and replace my 2.9. Granted my guys cheap but i would think 5-600 would get it done.

Buying one of these as an investment is a bad descion....you cant think of it in terms of monentary worth, otherwise youll go nuts.

 

[Rick W]

The price range sounds right. I don’t want to sound arrogant at all, but my mechanic was keeping up with cars in my collection, mostly high-end German and British stuff. I’m sure he would do it (for me, for 20 years) for 500, but it’s not what he does and I would not want to impose on him. I know that sounds snooty, but that’s the right thing.

Because I’m a car nut, I want to save this little thing, but I have no investment delirium. I just think it’ll be a fun little bug to play with. Big Red in the picture is the next closest thing I have. I’m thinking of cloning a baby brother....

 

[Ranger850]

Atlanta is a pretty vague location. It has a lot of outlying areas that are Atlanta. Are you in the Kinnesaw area. I may know a guy over there.

 

[Rick W]

Kennesaw would be fine. I’m semi retired, and I have an F250 diesel & home made tow bar I used to tow this little ranger from South Carolina. I didn’t even know it was back there ! I’m willing to go 70-80 miles give or take to get it done. I live on the north side of Atlanta in Dunwoody if you want to look at a map. That’s the high rent district, we’re all the mechanics only know Mercedes or Volvo’s...