New to me 90 Ranger needs an engine

[Teddyfrank123]

Howdy all

I just came into possession of a magnificent little 90 Ranger that needs an engine bad. Got it for free, it's a 2.9 with the m50dr1 4wd. Engine is completely toasted, overheated and the heads are no doubt cracked. Not going to rebuild as it has reportedly rolled the odometer 3 times and sits showing 90k right now, plus it's weak.

Now for the fun part! I can't find a decent 4.0 around me and I'm not swapping another 2.9. So v8 it is! well I can't find a decent 5.0 around me. I can, however, find several efi 351, have access to a few np 208 for cheap, and a c4 or c6 for basically free. I've been reading up over the last few days on what's needed. Please help me fill in the blanks:

-I know I need a dual sump for the 351 and I'll have clearance issues with the exhaust manifold but I can sort that out. I do not care if it contacts the hood, I will cut that out of the way. Mustang 5.0 motor mounts will work from what I've read, is there a different/better option?
-C4 would fit better than c6, and I'm leaving the engine stock so I don't think power would be an issue. i.e I would be going with a c4 unless someone has a compelling reason otherwise. np 205 are crazy expensive around me, ford ones run close to $800 so they're out. I know the 208 take a little clearancing to make work, but that's not a dealbreaker. Especially not when I can get one for $100. Can the stock tcase hold up? It has no problems right now and if it'll hold I'll spend my money elsewhere.
-I am expecting to get new driveshafts unless I am very lucky and retain my tcase in its same position. I do not expect this.
-I also have the 7.5 rear end, which is a concern, but I will worry about it once this thing can actually hit the highway. 8.8 are cheap, if I want to get spicy I also have access to several 9-inch rear ends for under $50. The front end is the dana 35 which will be fine I don't plan on lifting it. And 30s or 31s will be the max tire size (yes I know 31's rub stock height, I will cut if I want them I don't care about sheet metal).
-I know the wiring will be a bit involved, the 351's I'm looking at are from various f150s, f250s, and ford vans. anything specific I will want to watch for/grab? Is there an aftermarket something I am overlooking that would just pop right in? it has cruise control which I would like to retain, would like to keep the stock gauges, does not have ac.
-I am still looking at what I will need for fuel pump. Radiator will need to be replaced, still looking into specifics. I am in no way opposed to cutting into the support/grill area to make this fit, rather have bigger/cooler and cut stuff.

I will most likely be having a shop do most of the work as I do not have a shop/garage and live in an upstairs apartment, but I can do the finishing touches and swap in an axle no problem

 

[SenorNoob]

Sounds like you have been doing your research.

The stock transfer case needs an adapter that's more expensive than just using a full sized transfer case.

I wish you luck with the shop doing it. Around here nobody will even touch engine work after you swap one. Well, unless you cough up $10,000 up front. Too many "minor" things that make it a ton of trouble.

 

[Teddyfrank123]

Well when I say “shop”, that’s pretty relative. Guy I would have do it is more of a fabricator and custom work guy, doesn’t make his money off general repairs.

I have a 97 wrangler on 33s with built axles, lockers, etc I’ve been kicking around the idea of putting an LS in and he’d be my guy for that. This would be a simpler/cheaper swap. Not as much tech.

 

[SenorNoob]

Cool.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I'm not up on what splines what transfer cases use but I know on my Explorer the BW 4406 worked pretty good but it did take driveline changes...

Not sure where you are in in Oregon, if in my area I'm sure there are options out there but it sounds like you've done some decent research, doesn't sound cheap even with free parts though... and that's a serious front bumper, I'm pretty sure the only real clearance issues with 31's on the '89-92's are with the front bumper, I only had some minor inner fender clearance issues on my '90 with 31's, nothing to lose sleep over...

 

[Teddyfrank123]

Well I gave fed it some head gasket sealer to see if I could put off the inevitable. And it sent all the head gasket sealer dripping out the exhaust. Whoops!

I’m in Corvallis. One of my big Issues is I don’t have the space for another entire vehicle (don’t really have space for this one) so I’d just need an engine. There is a couple 2.9s in questionable condition, but I’m not super inclined to go that route. The bumper is hefty! Well made. Once I get this thing road worthy I’ll look into modifying it for a winch.

 

[Teddyfrank123]

Anyone messed with fenderwell exit headers with 302 or 351? Been reading up and common complaint is no headers really fit inside without trimming the frame. There’s a heck of a lot of fender exit headers for a 351 that aren’t too expensive

 

[scotts90ranger]

Went to OSU myself, I get it... I know there's only B&R down there and they're spendy, don't remember if there's a yard in Albany... I think the one in Turner is still there and they're reasonable to deal with...

I'm surprised Walt hasn't chimed in, he has a 351 in his Ranger... I know it's doable, he just used stock manifolds from something or other though...

 

[Teddyfrank123]

I’ve good experience with b and r. I live like 1/4 mile from them too, so easy access. That’s actually where I’ve got a line on a couple 351, I don’t know if they have all the accessories (wire harness, alt, power steering, etc) or if it’s stripped down. There’s someone on marketplace who has a nice one up near Tacoma but if I can avoid 9 hours driving and putting an engine in the truck of my civic I will