Possible Project Ideas

[OdinAF]

So with the fact that I have the 93 4.0 v6 Auto-T

I know I have the 245 OHV X block....I just found some serious oil leaks on the outside of the block. So fair radiator looks nice and clean so I don't think it's a head gasket. Seems to be Valve covers and maybe front main seal.... sooo

If I have to rebuild this thing I'm wondering as I do not know much about these particular motors, Can I find Alum block and heads for this, or is my best bet a 4.6 swap.... I'm trying to find a happy medium for fuel and work trucks. My Crown Vic had the 4.6 and I got around 12MPG combined my Expedition had the 5.4 triton and I was lucky to break 10MPG.

So, is there a alum block, or what would be just a easy bolt over, I really don't have time to wire and mess with a done of things.

I have to replace the Exhaust system as it is rusted out, but as far as I an tell trans and gear box work fine. I will be doing a filter and fluid swap on everything. Thing has a 150k on it. I can probable do some photos tomorrow.

I'm just looking for ideas.

Also...I'm on a budget.

 

[RonD]

I have a '94 4.0l, manual, 4x4, it has 300k now, did the heads after overheating it, but lower end, timing chain has never been touched.

I would do the valve cover gaskets, clean it up and then check if front main is leaking.
It is not common for it to leak on the 4.0l.

If you want to rebuild then I would stick with original engine and make it fresh.
Swaps have inherent issues with wiring harness's and sensors, and then parts after a successful swap, it's not a '93 ranger 4.0l anymore, lol, it's a '93 ranger 4.6l(was that a '89 or '91 4.6l?), so not listed in any parts book.
Swaps are great but as a driver you might be better off stock.

Aluminum is not better than cast, it is lighter, so better power to weight, and unless you are building a racing truck, so unconcerned about MPG, then aluminum heads and block would not be of much help.
And aluminum heads with cast iron blocks have there own issues in head gaskets, they have poor cold sealing and can be very unforgiving about slight over heating, aluminum expands 5 times faster than cast when heated, which is why MLS(multi-layer steel) gaskets are now used when aluminum heads are used with cast blocks, and MLS gaskets have poor cold sealing.
MLS gasket require(strongly suggested) the head and block to be machined when replaced, a DIYers nightmare, lol.