need some advise

[DennisH]

I've got a 94 ranger with the 3.0L in it. 4 years or so ago I was driving and lost all power then the engine cut out at idle and couldn't get it to start again. I bought a new truck but kept the ranger to fix later. Later is now. I want to use it to haul wood and have for a dependable second vehicle. About 6 months of it siting, I drained the oil and put 30W in it, charged the battery and it fired right up like nothing was wrong. It still runs, but has low power and just is tired in general. It has 212xxx miles.

What are my best options here? I've got a 302 HO that needs some parts here and there that came out of a 92 mustang. I'm throwing around the idea of putting in the 302, but am concerned about the price it will cost to put in the 302 with needing a new trans and all the adapters it will take.

Or I will try to salvage this motor and figure what is wrong with it.

Or buy a used 3.0L from the junk yard and put it in the truck.

Tell me what you guys think is the best option please. There's other areas I need to address like the clutch constantly needing bled, the wheels were locked up from sitting for so long and once I get it running good adressing some body issues.

 

[Lone-Ranger]

Does it start every time now? From what you describe, it almost seems like it was just a fuel pump that decided to start working again. It does not happen often, but is not unheard of. Furthermore, salvaging the current engine or even replacing it with an identical one will be cheaper than doing a v8 conversion(if all you've got is the engine), not to mention I don't think you'd be able to use several parts that would be on a 92 mustang 302. Someone please correct me if Im wrong.