v8 conversion!

[DangerRanger96]

I've looked thru the archives on here in this forum trying to find answers to my questions. I hesitated to post this question due to the frequency it probably gets asked.

I have a 96 xlt supercab. 4.0 ohc. I'd like to roughly get an idea on COST and EFFORT needed to drop a v8 in it. The easier the better, 302 vs. 4.6 ?

Don't think I could do the "major fab" stuff if its needed. Say, cutting out members, firewall etc. Wondered if one motor fits "better" than others.

Like to put a small lift on it 2 - 3". Really rough guesses or past experiences is what I'm looking for. See if its worth me getting into. I love my RANGER.
4th one I've bought!
thanks in advance guys.

supersite!

 

[projectnitemare]

As far as cost, cheap, fast and reliable....pick two of the three. I've done a swap on a Ranger for around $1500 a few years back. It was pretty much pull from one vehicle and drop in the other, no frills and I made the driveshafts mounts and so on. The more you can fab and more creative with solutions to problems the cheaper you will be able to do it. My truck has thousands in just the engine. You won't have to cut any firewalls or things like that. If you aren't confident in you skills just yet I wouldn't be trying a swap for a little bit. It can be done with most basic tools and usually no welding. The only welding would be driveshafts and exhaust but there are shops that can do that stuff. When first did my swap I did it with a drill, a socket set, hammer and an angle grinder. It's not rocket science but it does need some thought.

Matt

 

[281Ranger]

Since you have a '96, go with a 302. You would have to do too much fab work to put a 4.6 into a pre-'98 Ranger. Do ALOT of research before you even lift a wrench or buy a part.

 

[macdaddy31516]

listen to what these guys are telling you.remember this if you dont anything else. start out with a plan, and stick to it.dont get half way through and start thinking well i can do this to make it faster, better and stronger.save all those extra ideas for your next build and you will be so better prepared.