will these parts fit?

[cody93]

ok, so as some of you guys may know, I want to stuff a slant 6 inside a ranger, well since its not a drop in motor, I'll be doing it on a different ranger. well, there is one problem, gen1 that are complete or solid are hard to find or expensive.. So heres what my solution is, take a common gen3 frame from the wreckers, a gen2 cab, gen1 B2 front clip and dash and 2wd f-150 suspension parts and coble something together.

Now heres the big questions
1. Are gen1 and gen2 single cabs the same? Will a gen1 dash fit inside a gen2 cab?
2. Will a gen1/2 cab and bed fit on a gen3 frame without modifacation? i know the front bumper mounts are different...
3. how much longer is a slant 6 compared to a lima 2.3? from flywheel to water pump pulley?

 

[superdave1984]

This may not be of interest to you, but it's a good place to find decent (usually) Rangers and other stuff. This is a result of a search for Ranger on the site.

http://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...yseller=0&myselectbox=00&desc=ranger&inv_nbr=

 

[mp3deviant721]

1. I've seen people swap from a 1st gen dash to a 2nd gen, I think it will be fine, you just may run into electrical differences

2. I'm not sure of that, go under a gen 1, measure how far apart the body mounts are, they may be the same distance apart from a 3rd gen

3. I don't know anything about slant 6's, couldn't tell you anything useful, other than to Google it.

 

[racsan]

what about the overall length of the engine? slant six or inline, thats a good bit of didtance from the water pump to the back of the block. and its also alot more weight. sure, it would be different, kind of hope it works for you. ive only ever seen a slant six in the volare/aspen chassis.

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

Why on earth do you want to soil a Ranger with a Chrysler engine?

I mean, to each his own, but...

 

[bobbywalter]

hmm....


you couldnt make this any harder?



the mounts are a bit different.





suspension is pretty easy.




dash is a good idea...i prefer the gen 1 myself


engine should be ok.

 

[cody93]

Why on earth do you want to soil a Ranger with a Chrysler engine?

I mean, to each his own, but...

a 300 wouldn't fit unless i ditch the hood and get a body lift :\ thats why slant 6s are slanted, so they sit lower, plus it cures "ranger lean"

 

[rockin86ranger]

Yeah i've seriously been considering a 225 swap also (must be and arkansas thing lol) but i was gonna build mine (they do some crazy stuff with the 225s).

I would keep with a 1/2 gen frame because the body mounts are a little wider on a 3rd gen. And there are a few differences between 1st and 2nd gen cabs but nothing that should give you any problems (i think you have to make like 1 or 2 brackets but theyre really simple to make) I also think the header panel might be a little different on the 1st and 2nd gens but not 100% sure.

 

[cody93]

looks like im in the market for one them cheap gen2's now

 

[rockin86ranger]

I think the best way to get a cheap gen 1 is to look around and if you see one thats been sitting for awhile (and the place looks safe) go up and offer a few hundred for it.

The problem i have with finding a 1st gen is they are all parked and rotting away(but there is usually another ranger sitting in the drive way)

 

[cody93]

forgot about this thread, but i have a comment. Gen1 rangers are rare, the ones you see are being driven. during my almost year stay in the ozarks, ive seen 1 gen1 sitting in a field, but a few gen2s. the 1 gen1 is missing 4 wheels and it looks like id need to trailer it. Its an hour away through the winding hills of newton county, not trailer friendly, id probly do better slapping 4 tires on it and hope the brakes work as i let gravity do the work for me.

 

[rockin86ranger]

There's no such thing as trailer friendly road in my area, doesn't stop me from jumping out and pulling stuff. Just gotta pay more attention, my tow dollies and trailers literally have one wheel in the gravel and one wheel on the yellow line going through twisting mountain(crowleys ridge) road. And there is a bridge not far from me on a major road that you can put one wheel on the yellow and have the other wheel scrape the bridge (luckily they are widening it) if you meet someone there better hope they can drive.

Moral of the story, don't be scared to drive. I love towing through the mountains, the added challenge makes it more fun.

 

[matt167]

Gen 1, 2 and 3 rangers have the same size cab, front end and bed dimensions. bumper mounts changed for gen 3.

 

[Captain Ledd]

a 300 wouldn't fit unless i ditch the hood and get a body lift :\ thats why slant 6s are slanted, so they sit lower, plus it cures "ranger lean"

I was always under the impression "ranger lean" was suspension sag due to the driver and fuel tank (sometimes battery) being all on one side.

At any rate, as someone who has actually tried to install a I6 into a Ranger I'll give you some pointers.

There's a very good chance you'll have to carve up the firewall and "doghouse" it.

The engine crossmember is going to determine where your engine sits, unless you again carve up the oil pan and rebuild it to suit your needs.

Finding a Gen1 is easy. Search craigslist or e-bay. After several weeks of not finding a cheap one that isn't completely clapped out you're doing something wrong. I was able to find running 4x4 gen1's in Michigan (with decent exteriors at least) for $800-$1000.

As far as the other things, haven't tried it and can't help you.

 

[Ruffinit]

You know, you could always put a 200 in it. To give you an idea of dimensions, the 61-64 Econoline pickups used 144/170/200 engines. When '65 rolled around they decided to put in a 240 (same block as the 300). In order to do this they had to extend the doghouse and did so by extending it into the bed of the truck. That's an easy way to identify a 65-67 from a 61-64. The 200s are fairly easy to find and good solid engines. My 170 in my '65 will get 22mpg on the highway and that has NOTHING to do with aerodynamics. The 170 and 200 are the same block also; the biggest difference is the mechanical vs hydraulic lifters.