Which Ranger transplant is worse job to do??

[stumpcatcher]

Hi
I gotta do something here but I dunno which job is worse.

I got 86 RANGER 2.9LT Super Cab manual transmission 4X4, engine is no good.

And I got 86 RANGER 2.9LT Regular Cab automatic transmission 4X4. Engine is great, tranny is blown.

I can put Regular Cab engine in the Super Cab, or I can put the Super Cab tranny and transfer case in the Regular Cab, remember now Regular Cab as automatic in it.

I have changed motors in 70s cars B4 but they didnt have all the electronic stuff and lottsa wiring to worry about. Im worried it would be hard for me to get all that stuff rite if I swap engines.

On the other hand converting from auto tranny to manual is a big job too, but all the bolt holes should be there rite??



So of these two, whats the worst job??

 

[adsm08]

The trans would be harder because the trans cross-member has to be moved. That means removing frame rivets. Those are hot-press, like the kind Charlie Chaplin used to drop off sky-scrapers.

The 2.9 isn't that hard to remove. In fact you have leave most of the connectors hooked up if you take the engine out of the truck with the bad trans without removing the harness. That will cut it down to less than 15 plugs.

 

[stumpcatcher]

Ok good ok fine, super duper info!

So.........
Theres always a rite way and a wrong way.
I know I havta yank the radiator and stuff like that.

What end do I start at?? In what order??
Do I havta take down tranny and transfer case on one or both Rangers??


Can you give just a quick step by step on the swap please??

 

[adsm08]

The way I like to do it is to pull the trans, pull the rad, unhook the computer and feed the connector back through the firewall. Unhook the steering and fuel lines, and the rest of the wiring. and take the two engine mount nuts off.After that it should come out.

I have pulled a few 2.9s out fully dressed, including the clutch and fan. What I have found is that if you don't have AC all you need to do is tip the nose up a hair until the fan blades clear the core support. If they are still flexible you can make it out like that, but you will have to bend them as you pass the upper core support. If they are brittle you will probably break one or two.

If you do have AC what you need to do is pull the engine forward and tip the nose down until the fan is up into the space that the radiator and condenser were in and then turn it sideways with the front facing the passenger side, then bring it up and out.

There are about 3 connectors on the driver's side of the engine that DON'T have to be undone. I can post pics of that tomorrow. I left my phone at work today.

 

[Snoranger]

Neither one is that difficult... I would fix up the one with the better body and interior.

 

[stumpcatcher]

Ok since I gotta yank tranny anyways I will do clutch and pressure plate too if it needs it.

In addition I also got 90 RANGER 2.9LT Regular Cab manual transmission 4X4, will clutch and pressure plate fit?? Will the starter fit??

 

[adsm08]

The 2.9 clutch and starter are all the same, beginning to end.

 

[stumpcatcher]

Neither one is that difficult... I would fix up the one with the better body and interior.

Super Cab is best body and interior, and I like it lottsa room behind seat for chainsaw & stuff, the saw likes it much better inside the cab. BUT Super Cab has busted back window, all I got is Regular Cabs for parts, back window dont fit so I figure cut window out with cutting wheel and weld it into Super Cab dont havta change glass then. ALSO Super Cab drivers window busted, will Regular Cab window fit?? I would rather just change the door, will door fit??

Also Super Cab windshield is pretty bad, will Regular Cab windshield fit??