Please point me in the right direction.

[Panzerbjorn]

I've been lurking here for years dreaming of the day I'd stuff a v8 in my truck. The time has finally arrived. I have a 1990 4x4 XLT extended cab 2.9 w/FM146 manual tranny. I've already put new brakes and a 3" suspension lift on it. The 2" body lift is going on it now. I've got an '86 5.0 out of an F150 and have ordered most of the parts listed in the V-8 swaps article here. My main problem at the moment is the tranny has the non-removable bell housing, so it needs to go.

Even reading all the stuff here, I'm a little confused. I'd like to keep it a manual, and it seems that basically any full size 4x4 would work. Am I correct? If there's a link to some article or thread I haven't seen, please let me know. Thanks in advance for any assistance. Obviously, I'm no mechanic!

 

[Dirtman]

The explorer 5.0's are the easiest because the intake and pretty much everything fits the ranger like a glove. But they only come in automatic as far as I know. Technically any 5.0 will work so an f150 5.0 with a manual will work. None of them are going to be just plug and play, there's defined work involved. The how to section at the top has info on v8 swaps.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

AFAIK the m5od-r2 from a f150 with the 4.2l v6 is the easiest to fit into the ranger and with minor mods will bolt to the 5.0l. Minor mods = enlarging bell housing bolt holes from 12mm to 1/2"(13mm).

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You need a 4.2V6, 300 I6, 302 or 351 T5/M5ODR2 or ZF5.

4wd pretty much eliminates the T5.

ZF5 is YUGE! and is not for the faint of heart to install.

M5OD from 300/302/351 will fit and work ok, shifter is farther ahead.

4.2 M5ODR2 has the shifter farther back like a Ranger M5ODR1 and fits very nice. Be sure to get the separator plate from a 300/302/351 M5OD though, the starter hole is different. Starter/flywheel/clutch set from a '96 F-150 with a 5.0 works great. Use the hydraulics for a second gen Ranger with a M5ODR1.

 

[Panzerbjorn]

The explorer 5.0's are the easiest because the intake and pretty much everything fits the ranger like a glove. But they only come in automatic as far as I know. Technically any 5.0 will work so an f150 5.0 with a manual will work. None of them are going to be just plug and play, there's defined work involved. The how to section at the top has info on v8 swaps.

I realize this isn't going to be cheap, easy, fast or without headaches! I suppose I should specify that I'm trying to choose a transmission and probably go with reliable and easier to install.

 

[Panzerbjorn]

AFAIK the m5od-r2 from a f150 with the 4.2l v6 is the easiest to fit into the ranger and with minor mods will bolt to the 5.0l. Minor mods = enlarging bell housing bolt holes from 12mm to 1/2"(13mm).

I'll keep that in mind, Thanks.

 

[Dirtman]

Oh then go m50d r2...

 

[Panzerbjorn]

You need a 4.2V6, 300 I6, 302 or 351 T5/M5ODR2 or ZF5.

4wd pretty much eliminates the T5.

ZF5 is YUGE! and is not for the faint of heart to install.

M5OD from 300/302/351 will fit and work ok, shifter is farther ahead.

4.2 M5ODR2 has the shifter farther back like a Ranger M5ODR1 and fits very nice. Be sure to get the separator plate from a 300/302/351 M5OD though, the starter hole is different. Starter/flywheel/clutch set from a '96 F-150 with a 5.0 works great. Use the hydraulics for a second gen Ranger with a M5ODR1.

Sounds like the early consensus, thanks.

 

[Panzerbjorn]

So, aside from drilling out the holes and keeping the separator plate, it'll just bolt up to the transfer case? Or do I need the adapter based on the number of splines?

I suppose I should find out which transfer case I have. Looks like there was a 1350 and a 1354?

 

[Elutheros]

I'm using the M5ODR2 from an F150/5.0 and it's fine. It will bolt up to most T/Cs but I had to have a 1/4" spacer made for my NP205 to make it work. By using the flat motor mount plates and Explorer FEAD I was able to get the transmission on the stock mount which simplified drive shaft selection (single piece from a '97-00 4x4 extended cab Ranger IIRC). The front driveshaft had to be shortened. The Explorer FEAD allows more room for the radiator/fan.

 

[lvwill]

You will need a full size transfer case as well. Np205 fits like a glove but is a heavy beast. Np208 out of a f/s bronco is way lighter but wider and has a better low range.

 

[bobbywalter]

the wagoneer/j series/jeep 208 with 31 spline input swap works and fits better then the others. has fixed yokes as well. adapting the speedo cable or tail housing swap needs doing if you will have a mechanical speedo unit.


from there the 4406. i prefer fixed yoke setups myself.

 

[bobbywalter]

that is a j 208 in my ranger. pretty small

this is a 208 f bronco style.....its a fat bastard.

you need a clocking ring and to off set the drive train to fit it.

but it can work.

 

[Panzerbjorn]

Thanks everyone. You've given me a lot to think about.