Shooting for the stars here....

[rameans23]

ok im pretty new to the forum. Ive been looking around and seeing some really nice trucks. I purchased my ranger a couple years ago and havent done much with it. Ive recently gotten pretty interesed in the drift scene, drove a couple drift cars and had a bright idea......

I want to take my 83 Ranger, and put a RB20DE-T into it. Im not expecting it to be easy or cheap for that matter. The motor makes a good amount of power, tq and is a good dependable choice for drifting.

So obviously I'm going to be doing away with most or all of all the factory components that would be necessary for the swap, but I need the imput from you folks on what a good rear end, suspension set up would be.

Thanks for any input you can help me with.

 

[cody93]

oooo, an I-6 in a ranger, i like the idea. your probly gona have to fab up engine mounts and do some relocating. probly should measure the engine first to make sure it fits. people have swapped ford 300's in and had to cut out core supports and firewalls to fit them, but im sure the nissan engine is smaller. im thinking of swapping a ford falcon I6 myself into my 87 when my current motor bites the dust so an inline6 swap would be something id like to see.

 

[stmitch]

I'd definitely ditch the leaf springs in the rear for either a 4 link or some type of IRS. As for the axle itself, an 8.8 or 9 inch should handle your needs.
You might consider getting rid of the beams in front too. An SLA control arm setup like a Mustang II or early 90's Toyota truck clip would give you much improved handling, and have more aftermarket options.

 

[rameans23]

thanks for the input guys, there is a guy on here who swapped a 2j into a ranger and thats what kinda gave me the idea of doin the rb swap, ive also considered doing an sr20 red top, its a 4 cylinder and may fit in a little easier, but either way im gettin the truck turned apart as we speak.