Ranger 2.3 to Mustang 2.3 swap

[rideright]

I have an 83 ranger 4x4 I am converting to an off road only truck. It had the V6 in it but it was gone by the time I got it. What I would like to know is will a 1990 Mustang 2.3L 4cyl bolt to the 5spd transmission and what wiring harness I would need, this is an EFI engine. I know this is not the best swap to do but I have the engine and cheep is the name of the game. Also lower HP and lower gears equal less breakage. I also would like to know how or what to strip off the engine I wont need the smog stuff.

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

If it originally had a V6, then the 5-spd isn't going to bolt to a 2.3. You need a 2.3 specific 5-spd.

 

[rideright]

Ok that takes care of that. Dose the 2.3 just need different bell housing or whole new trans? Is the 2.3 trans bolt pattern the same as any popular engine sizes like the 302?

 

[86_cookiemonster]

I am pretty sure the 2.3 will need a whole new tranny. The 2.3 shares a bell housing with the 2.0 2.5 streight 4's.

 

[Mark_88]

I've never compared the t-cases or the different configurations but I'm sure someone has...and since they did make a 4x4 2.3 you might want to check to see if you'll need the t-case and the tranny...or just the tranny...sounds like too much work even for a project...but if you must do it...it can certainly be done...

 

[ejholmgren]

I don't think the t-cases were specific ... but the bellhousing is integral to the tranny so you need a 4x4 2.3L tranny, which are far and few between.

 

[rideright]

I also have the T5 from the Mustang, will a Dana 20 from an older bronco bolt to it or can I use the transfer case from the 6cyl trans?