What's the real difference? 3.9 vs 4.6...

[BB401]

Hello to all..
I am about to replace the severely overheated, locked up, 2300 4 cyl with an all aluminum 3.9 (with tranny) from a Lincoln LS.
I have all the electrics, wiring etc. I even have the subframe.
What are your thoughts.
Thanks in advance..

 

[RangerSVT]

Thats probably the first I've heard of this swap, although I was thinking of doing this myself. The 3.9 is jaguar motor built in the USA (Lima, OH). Its an all aluminum 4 valve DOHC motor. Its a relatively square (3.4" bore, 3.3" stroke) engine making 252hp, 267tq. 2003-2006 used variable valve timing.
03-11 towncar 4.6l (2 valve SOHC ) made 239hp, 282tq. Depending which 4.6l you choose, numbers could vary. Its heavier with an iron block, and wider.

I say go for it, definitely have something different. Its possible it'll be more fuel efficient than the 4.6 as well...

SVT

 

[BB401]

Thank you for the informative reply.. So, reading between the lines, if you haven't heard of it being done before, then things like motor mounts will likely not be available. Might run into clearance issues that have not been addressed before since it (the motor) hasn't been shoe horned in before. That you have heard of....

 

[adsm08]

I have seen 4.6 and 5.4, and even a 6.8 swapped into Rangers before. All of those engines have much larger exterior dimensions than the 3.9L. Mounts may be the worst thing you have to deal with.

The LS used a 5R55 trans, so even making it a 4x4 if your truck is 4x4 shouldn't even be that hard. The trans is an easy issue.
haven'
I also say do it. I want to do this swap in the future, but haven't started even looking at it yet.

 

[downer]

would be a very interesting swap. i'd like to see it done. alot of people knock the 3.9 for reliability but most of those people have very little, if any experience with it. 03 and up are better choices, there were a lot of changes in the 03 model year but there are more pre 03s being parted out or in yards. zero aftermarket support though.

 

[BB401]

Wow, all good info. I like challenges. I'll be taking delivery of the motor/tranny in about a week. Then I'll start the rebuild. Sounds like I'll need to keep you guys in the loop.

 

[RangerSVT]

I've got a 97 mountaineer that needs a motor and trans. I was going to use a 5.0, but I think I might just use the 3.9. I'll have to research what fuel system type it uses. My luck it'll be a returnless...

SVT

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Is this similar to the 3.9 that snuck into the last NE SN-95 Mustangs?