Swapping my 4.0 for a 2.3

[Pez]

Searched with the forums search function and google. Turned up nothing about putting a 2.3 in a 4.0's place. Lot of the opposite.

But, looking for some information on the swap. I have a feeling like everything its not just a straight drop in so... Motor mounts. Do 2.3 mounts bolt up to the frame without any fab needed? Transmission, I want to stay automatic so will my A4LD bolt up to the 2.3? If not what trans is best suited for the 2.3? Also, I do not want a carb'd 2.3. What years (if any) had F.I.? Will the stock tank and fuel pump thats been feeding the 4.0 also work for the 2.3? Same with the Alternator.


Now say I found a donor truck, heres what I think I should grab. Please add any thing else.
Engine(Duh)
Trans
Harness
Motormounts
Driveshaft
Radiator
???

Thanks for helping a n00b,
Brian

 

[Rose2300]

look at a thread where someone swapped in a 4.0 in place of the 2.3, and then do the process backwards

 

[Pez]

Doing some wandering and answered some of my own questions.

-Found a thread about a guy with a '88 wanting a different trans to bolt up to his 2.3 other than the A4LD.

So, my A4LD will work

-In the Tech Library. 89-97 had MFI (Multipot FI) Which needed 30-40 psi to operate. My OHV 4.0 needed 39-40 psi to operate.

So.. 89-97 Rangers are what I should be looking for. And yes my tank and pump will work.

 

[Pez]

Annndd... Rose2300 comes in to slap some sense into ole' Pez

 

[Rose2300]

although both engines used the a4ld, the bell housings are probably different between the 4.0 and 2.3

 

[chilsam]

Eeeyuuuppp

although both engines used the a4ld, the bell housings are probably different between the 4.0 and 2.3

You are correct!

 

[chilsam]

more stuff

Searched with the forums search function and google. Turned up nothing about putting a 2.3 in a 4.0's place. Lot of the opposite.

But, looking for some information on the swap. I have a feeling like everything its not just a straight drop in so... Motor mounts. Do 2.3 mounts bolt up to the frame without any fab needed? Transmission, I want to stay automatic so will my A4LD bolt up to the 2.3? If not what trans is best suited for the 2.3? Also, I do not want a carb'd 2.3. What years (if any) had F.I.? Will the stock tank and fuel pump thats been feeding the 4.0 also work for the 2.3? Same with the Alternator.


Now say I found a donor truck, heres what I think I should grab. Please add any thing else.
Engine(Duh)
Trans
Harness
Motormounts
Driveshaft
Radiator
???

Thanks for helping a n00b,
Brian

fuel lines ?,computer,ac lines and condenser,air intake & exhaust

 

[Mark_88]

I took a 2.9 out of my current Ranger and dropped in a carbed 2.3...had to swap out all wiring...the motor mount holes were predrilled...can't remember if they were lower or higher than the 2.8...or if I used the same holes...

But any production model that takes multiple engine types should have what you need...the tranny cross member on the 2.9 was exactly the same...a few differences in the rear end bolt pattern for the drive shaft...

Wiring harnesses changed somewhat at the firewall but I think the holes are the same...but you might want to check that too if you need to swap harnesses...

Different engines took different sensors in the 2.3 but I think they were very similar with a few exceptions...so you may need the entire wiring harness and computer...

Technically, I could have swapped in a FI engine and used the wiring harness from the 2.9 with a few minor mods...

If you are going up in motor years (91 to say 93) you will be OK with emission laws...but check your area for that if needed...

 

[87Jeffrey]

put a 2.3l Bell houseing on your 4.0 A4LD because the 2.3L A4LD are junk

 

[Pez]

Thanks for all the input fellas. Never thought of the bell housing being different but why wouldnt it be? No worries about emission out in the sticks of Georgia. My old 2000 Ranger never got inspected. Really needed to be because that was one big ole work truck of a turd.

But been thinking, really want a FI engine but I've been trying to sell a 78 Ford Courier but had no takers. So the carb'd 2.3 out of it is going in the Ranger. It will do for now and will get way better MPG than the 200,000+ mile 4.0 does. Plus I can swap out the harness easy, fuel tank, pump and any bits I might need. Because shit who cares? The Courier is going to the scrap heap anyway.

So.. Anyone wanting to buy a 4.0? Runs great and my previous 4.0 ran worse but made it to 250,000 before being sold and is still being driven.

 

[Pez]

So.. peeked in the Tech Library. Looks like I will need a flywheel, torque converter and bell housing off a 1985 to 1995 Ranger/Bronco II to atleast get the engine/trans mated. So if the FW, TC and BH will all bolt up to my 78 2.3 I'll be well on my way. Gonna do my best to take plenty of photos and might do a write up for anyone interested in such a odd swap.