v8 or not

[tubguy]

88 ranger 2.9, engine is out, ac gutted smog and other emission stuff gutted 7.5 rear end I planing on a 8.8 out of 4.0 ranger and a v8 i cant decide what year v8 and trans to use i have read all James duff and trs tech still cant decide what kind of donor vehicle to use or should i just rebuild and put 2.9 back in it had a bad bottom end tick . was told stock transfer case would work with v8 motor and trans . rebuild 2.9 1,500$-new rebuilt crate 2.9 1,750$ v8 swap $$??

 

[Dishtowel]

I put in a 5.0L out of a 1990 towncar, with an AOD. It is not just a drop in thing. The T case will bolt up to the AOD with a $500 part from Advanced Adaptors, who I am not really impressed with. (no instructions, and I had to mod my t case shifter, which they never talked about, I didn't feel like I got my moneys worth.) My 4.0L rad is up to the job (just), but you have build mount plates, fight with exhaust, and if you want EFI the click on "some stuff" in my sig.

If your on a TIGHT budget, then I'd say swap in a 4.0L. They seem to give good results, and I think it will be easier/cheaper.

Good luck

 

[tubguy]

thanks not on budget i have a set of 22'' rims and tires off low rider worth 2,5oo$ I'm going to trade for v8 donor vehicle when i decide what truck to use i live in north GA all kinds of donors available . i heard its just as hard to put a 4.0 in plus I'm looking to trade my 1999 Lexus for 1997 extra cab ranger 4.0 4x4 . so I'm stuck with this 88 with 3'' body lift 4:56 gears Dana 35 front end and 7.5 rear and a noise 2.9 that i have already puled might rebuild but will cost just as much to v8 i think.

 

[eveready77]

The 4.0 is pretty much a direct bolt in swap. On an'88 and earlier ther is a little bit of wireing to do but nothing too major. I am looking at this swap for my '89BII. I have heard the harness is about a plug and play deal. I did a V-8 swap on a '85 BII but that has been a few years ago, It was not too bad but I didn't know near as much about this stuff then, it would be a bit easier now. I haven't set my mind on the 4.0 but it seems to be the quickest to do if you need your vehicle on a daily basis.

 

[Psychopete]

v8 swap $$??

Depends on how you go about doing it. Either way, no cost is going to be consistent. Depends on if you get an engine and rebuild, or just put it in as it sets. Tranmission makes a difference in cost. It helps to know other people into Fords. Or even if you know someone with an automotive business that can get a discount on stuff from the junk yard. Best bet is to get it set in stone in the back of your mind that you're doing this and keep an eye out for good deals on parts.

Figure out how much you can spend and make your decision based on that.

Pete

 

[rangerslim]

really depends on what you want to do with it....just too many variables....

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

These days a V8 with an overdrive would be very tempting to get some kind of milage... but then unless you get an adapter you can't use the stock t-case.