Two years after the roll, I'm getting another ranger.

[swtjames23]

Well, I'm finally gonna do it. I'm gonna buy another Ranger after I rolled my '93 back in 2009. She (may she rest in pieces at John's Wreckers) was a 1993 SC XLT 4.0 V6 manual tranny, case and hubs. I'm buying an identical '95 tomorrow for an unbelievable $900, the only catch is it needs a new motor and clutch. Here's the kicker though, a spare 4.0L V6 with 92,000 miles is included with the truck!

Here's where I need help. Should I modify this "new" V6 before I put it in? I'm talking power adding modifications. Or, should I ditch the V6 altogether and go with a 302?

I want reliability and affordability. I'd love some input from guys who have swapped a 5.0L into a ranger like this before. What kind of price range should I expect if I went that direction? Any input/comments are encouraged! I need some inspiration.. and please, someone tell me if this isn't as good of a deal as it seems, I've got my ranger-goggles on... it's been over 2 years!

Here's the $900 gem:

 

[Maverick]

Moved this to a forum you might get a little more help in.

 

[dasfinc]

Have I mentioned I like stepping into these threads and saying,

Put a V-8 in it, NOW!

That is all.

But seriously, There is a ton of info in the tech library, and the swap in the 93-97's is very easy as far as getting the engine in, but there is a bit of wiring IIRC, and you will be semi-limited to which 5.0's you would be picking from depending upon the wiring. I'd imagine a 94-95 mustang 5.0 would be easiest?

 

[mp3deviant721]

Build the 4.0 up a little bit. If you can afford it, build a Eaton M90 adapter, and run that with the nice rebuild.

 

[swtjames23]

Thanks for the input guys.

Trust me, I'd love to put a 302 in, I just can't afford it right now. The motor it came with should bolt right up but it's clearly been sitting awhile and I'd like to clean it up before I put it in.

This is a budget truck for now. Hunting/fishing/dump runs etc. I guess what I'm looking for is the essentials. What things would be easy and cheap to check and/or fix in this replacement motor before I drop it in? And what would I be stupid NOT to do while this motor is out? I can always add later when the dollars are more.. Uh.. readily available.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Oil pan gasket, front and rear main seals, check the timing chain and all the gaskets to get there and back, valve cover gaskets.

You will never find a better time to change the oil pump and pickup than when you have the pan off. Same goes for the water pump if you are checking the timing set.

While I had my 302 on the stand it got a oil pump, oil pump driveshaft, pickup, crankshaft seals, oil pan gasket (steel reinforced rubber), timing set and a rebuilt water pump.

Why? because it would have been a major PITA to change that stuff in the truck vs on the stand and since I bought the engine used I had no idea what kind of shape anything was in without at least opening it up. The nylon timing sprockets were so shot I could almost work the chain off with my fingers... so IMO it was well worth checking out.