Swapping a 4.0 to a 2.3 carbed

[merace19]

I looked around in the sub categories, but did not find the answer I needed. I got a chance to get a 93 4x4 ranger automatic with a blown 4.0 engine. I have ZERO experience with that engine. I do on the other hand have a VAST knowledge of the 2.3/2.5 motor. In carb'd form. This is a woods only truck, so never seeing road.
1. are the bolt patterns for the trans the same for 4.0 and 2.3? If not is the bell housing changeable on the 4.0 automatic?
2. Or would it be better to find a 2.3 4x4 trans and if so will it bolt up to the 4.0 transfer case?

I can weld and fab so not worried about mounts or wiring.
I have a 200 hp 2.3 motor setting at a buddies house and would love to drop it in

 

[Hopman]

Most people do it the other way around. I THINK that at the very least, you'd just need to swap (if possible) the bell housings.

 

[adsm08]

The answer to 1 is no and not as far as I know.

The answer to 2 is that those were rare as penguins at the equator. Not unheard of, but if you find one, take a picture.

All RBV transfer cases share the bolt pattern though. If you find a 4x4 4.0 trans, and a good 2.3 trans, you can swap the output shaft and the extension housing to a 2.3 trans and have a 2.3 4x4 trans.

 

[merace19]

I have a FREE 2.3 that I built a year so so ago so Thats why. Plus I know ever inch of that motor, I can fix any issue on it and I know it can stand turning 9k easy. Plus I got 100's of parts for repairs. I like the 2.3 too.

 

[merace19]

The answer to 2 is that those were rare as penguins at the equator. Not unheard of, but if you find one, take a picture.

I had a ranger 4x4 with the 2.3 years ago so I know they are very common.

 

[adsm08]

I had a ranger 4x4 with the 2.3 years ago so I know they are very common.

You had 1, years ago. That does not constitute common.

 

[merace19]

Your answer lacked. They are everywhere. Your analogy would indicate they never made them, But they did and there was a lot of them.

 

[mp3deviant721]

Here's your chance to learn about the 4.0 and 2.9 (The 4.0 is based of the 2.9). Its a good engine. Trust me. I have one.

 

[adsm08]

Oh no it doesn't. There are penguins that live at the equator.

I know they made them, they even made (to order) 2.3L, 4x4 explorers. They didn't make many of them though. More in the first few years than recently, but they still were not common.

 

[merace19]

I found a junk yard that has a 2.3 4x4 trans and transfer case so Out goes the 4.0 crap and in goes the stuff I like. I may turbo this one, I got a old Tbird crashed out back...

 

[Hopman]

I had a ranger 4x4 with the 2.3 years ago so I know they are very common.

I've got one. They are NOT common. I've never come across another Gen 3 Ranger with that combo.

The good news is that the parts that make them up are. There's plenty of trucks with M5OD's, 2.3's and 4x4's running around.

 

[ranger_mclaren]

I had a one barral carbed 2.0 in a my first ranger best ranger motor i've owned. the motor out lasted the truck or should I say frame the frame fell apart so I had to junk it had no rear cab monts no drivers rear shock mont and the passenger leaf spring mount gave way before I said ok gotta go... getting rid of that motor is the worst thing i've done when it come to rangers. It had a new carb and clutch. not a single issue ever from that motor i replaced the carb cause I didn't know shit a bout'em so I replace to be on the safe side.

 

[merace19]

Well I race mustangs with the 2.3/2.5 hybrid so I got plenty of parts. And I like the engine. to me its a mean machine. Plus I got a few good carbs that will run upside down, so offroading it will not even bother it.

 

[ozziemo27]

you many have some HP but do you have the torque?

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

This is interesting. I would just get to know the 4.0. It would be your next favorite engine, I promise.