Replace 3.0 L with 4.0 L

[jcrow123]

I am planning to replace the 3.0 L motor with a 4.0 L motor, do I need to get another computer, torque converter or fuel injectors and pump to match the new motor? Or is it OK to use the old parts on the new motor? Been getting a lot of free bad advice I would appreciate any advice from TRS members thanks.

 

[racsan]

welcome! youll need a transmission (among other items) as the bell housing bolt pattern is different, a 3.0 transmission will only bolt up to a 3.0 engine.

 

[Curious Hound]

make sure to get the full engine compartment wiring harness and computer with the new engine.

I think, with automatics, you can change the bellhousing. But that may be a lot of work anyway. Probably easier to get a whole new transmission like racsan recommended.

 

[adsm08]

make sure to get the full engine compartment wiring harness and computer with the new engine.

I think, with automatics, you can change the bellhousing. But that may be a lot of work anyway. Probably easier to get a whole new transmission like racsan recommended.

Right, but with the autos you had the 4/5R 44 and 55. The 3.0 would get a 4 or 5 R44, the 4.0 would have a 55. That's a higher torque rating.

 

[Alan_nc]

Just curious. Why do you want to swap a 3 for a 4. Sure a bunch of work for very little gain.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Just curious. Why do you want to swap a 3 for a 4. Sure a bunch of work for very little gain.

+1.....Any stock ranger configuration is ridiculously underpowered or worse.

 

[RonD]

Yes, +1 ^^^

When you change engine sizes on newer vehicles its basically the same work for ANY size engine
Engine/transmission, computer and wiring harness, and then the interface of the wiring and because that changes by year, vehicle and engine/trans there is no set diagrams

The 3.0l to 4.0l would not be a good swap in my opinion, even if the 4.0l engine/trans and computer with wiring was free
When you can just go out an buy a factory 4.0l Ranger

Now a V8 Ranger is another story, and the same work

 

[racsan]

change your rear axle out for lower gearing, if you have 3.45’s now, a 4.10 will make it feel like a 4.0 , its one of the best performance “bang for the buck” there is. Plus it lets the engine be more in its powerband and not be lugging. My used 4.10 rear axle was well worth the money, I think I paid $200 for it, another 50-75 for new seals, brake shoes, spring kit and wheel cylinders, some fresh 80/90 oil , a rear cover gasket & spray paint. I did have to settle for a 7.5 instead of a 8.8 but both have the same load capacity. I could always change out backing plates , drums and internals later to get the bigger drums but its doing fine.

 

[jcrow123]

Just curious. Why do you want to swap a 3 for a 4. Sure a bunch of work for very little gain.

Just a thought that the 4L didn't have the rear cylinder cooling problem and was a better engine all around than the 3L "which was not a truck design and was just lifted from a taurus"

I admit I didn't think it through. At least I didn't do what I usually do which would be go buy a motor rip it all apart and flail for 2 or 3 months until I hack it together and make it work.

Thanks you fellas or ladies could be either, you all a great help.

 

[Craig0320]

Yes, +1 ^^^

When you change engine sizes on newer vehicles its basically the same work for ANY size engine
Engine/transmission, computer and wiring harness, and then the interface of the wiring and because that changes by year, vehicle and engine/trans there is no set diagrams

The 3.0l to 4.0l would not be a good swap in my opinion, even if the 4.0l engine/trans and computer with wiring was free
When you can just go out an buy a factory 4.0l Ranger

Now a V8 Ranger is another story, and the same work

Agree. A v8 ranger is definitely a good option.