which 302 and 4x2-4x4 Questions

[muddin'ranger]

Ok, I've been doing research and have loads of info on doing a v8 swap and SAS on a ranger (cant decide on doing it on my 2wd DD or purchase a 4x4ranger). 99% of the info has been on actaully getting it in there and what needs to be removed, trimmed, or persuaded with a hammer. I haven't found a whole lot on whats the best 302 for the job and for my purpose.

This leads me to my questions. This is going to be a toy/project so i'm going to just a run a carb for ease of installation.I'll take it to the local mud runs some and drive it to work randomly. What would be the best 302/5.0 for me to build around? I heard the early 70's mustang has a smaller bellhousing which makes it easier to install but also should be a flat tappet motor if i read the sticky right. Pretty much my point is i hear one motor is better for one thing and worst for another. Is it better to go with a roller lifters or flat tappet?Hydraulic or solid? What years would be best for my purpose?

Second major concern is all the 302/5.0 conversion kits I have 2wd and 4wd version what are the differnces? I thought the two trucks were the same except for the extra dif, and transfer case. Same frame, motor, body. If i was to use my now 2wd DD but SAS would i need the 2wd or 4wd version?

What kits have ya'll used and which ones would you recommend. I've found them from AdvancedAdapter, James Duff, and BroncoGraveryard? Is one kit better then another?

Also
-I would like to run a c4 and dana 20 tcase(already have tcase) behind it.
-My dd is a 1994

Thanks for any information that anyone could give, I've been searching for 2years off and on like i said but these are a couple specific questions i havent found the answer to.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

General rule of thumb on engines is the later the better.

Most SBF's came with hydraulic lifters, somewhere in the mid '80's rollers came out. They are a better setup IMO. No cam break in and all around better performance. For much of a driver a hydraulic roller is what I would consider ideal.

I haven't been around another 302, but in my 4x4 I am pleased with my non-HO '87 roller. I have a novel of a swap thread in this forum (probably on page 2 or 3 by now) with all the details.

The front end is different between 4wd and 2wd, the crossmember under the engine and the axle beams are position/shaped differently. No need for a kit, everything is available and generally works better loose where you can pick what you want.

Exhaust will be the biggest "getcha" with swapping from 2wd to 4wd IMO. Even though mine was 4wd from the start it still had to go back to the exhaust shop because the front driveshaft rubbed on the DS exhaust pipe as the suspension moved. I used hedman 88400 headers and they worked great. Also, a bodylift makes a big difference on a engine bay room. If you want to do one at some point, before a swap is a GREAT time. It makes things so much easier to do it is rediculous, I noticed a major difference ripping the 4wd shifter out of a BII at a junkyard compared to the space under my truck.

If this is your dd, I recomend something with an overdrive... it makes a whale of difference in milage. There just isn't hardly enough butter to spread out nice with a 3 speed over much of a speed range. With my short distance truck it isn't a big deal, but I do have a black six thousand pound gorrilla beside it with overdrive for my dd.

The bellhousing differance is a transmission thing, not engine. Some early 60's 289's had a freaky pattern but avoid them like the plauge. 157t and 164t are the more common options for the C4, general rule of thumb on those is the smaller the donar car, the smaller the bell. They are still the same boltpattern but one has a bigger torque converter. With a bodylift the bigger (164t) bellousing fits in my truck like a dream. Still doable without the bodylift but things get more complicated. AOD's are all 164t and there are many swaps running around with them.

 

[muddin'ranger]

Thanks for the reply. It took me awhile to read all 25 pages of your build thread with the holiday weekend and all but i got it finished. There was a TON of info there.

As to the motor issue, i went to the self pull saturday and saw plenty of 302 in late 80's and early 90's f150 so ill prolly grap one of those and stick a carb on it.

With the headers I'll prolly do the hedman 88400 with the 2wd since they should leave me enough room for a driveshaft when i sas it.

Far as motor mounts it seems like almost everyone is doing the mustang convertible mounts which would be my best choice i believe.?.?


Since impatients will be my only rush once i break ground on this project i'm thinking about taking the cab and bed off so that it is easier to do the v8 swap and sas.I could clean the frame up and lay a nice coat of paint on it. Has anyone removed the cab for this, is it any easier?


Thanks

I plan to do a 2in body lift to help with clearances ( dont like em but makes it easier)

 

[baddad457]

If you want a 4wd, start with a 4wd. It'll be so much easier, there's no need to complicate a V8 swap with a 4wd swap too. Ideal motors are the 96-2001 Explorer/Mountaineer 5.0, the 94-95 Mustang 5.0 or the 88-93 T-Bird/Cougar 5.0. all these have a shorter FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) that makes a Ranger swap easier.

 

[Teddyzee]

If you are doing a SAS, I don't think it will matter that your truck is currently 2wd.

In my opinion, the cab should be left on while placing the engine. Otherwise you will be measuring up/down, side/side, left/right rather than simply placing it where it fits.
But some guys have done it with the cab off.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you are doing a SAS, I don't think it will matter that your truck is currently 2wd.

Actually you would probably come out ahead if you are going to SAS it, 2wd's are cheaper. Nuthin on the the factory 4wd is going to stay anyway.

 

[muddin'ranger]

If you want a 4wd, start with a 4wd. It'll be so much easier, there's no need to complicate a V8 swap with a 4wd swap too. Ideal motors are the 96-2001 Explorer/Mountaineer 5.0, the 94-95 Mustang 5.0 or the 88-93 T-Bird/Cougar 5.0. all these have a shorter FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) that makes a Ranger swap easier.

I want a solid axle and a 302 in a ranger. Thanks for the advice about motor selection, I didn't think bout the larger FEAD on the trucks.

Actually you would probably come out ahead if you are going to SAS it, 2wd's are cheaper. Nuthin on the the factory 4wd is going to stay anyway.

That was my thoughts exactly seeing as i already have the 2wd and its payed for.