Winter Project

[SUPERHAWK996]

Hey guys so i am thinking i want to swap a motor into my truck this spring. I currently have a 1994 ranger extended cab 4x4 with a 4inch lift and 33 inch tall tires. I want to put a 351w or a 302 in the truck but i don't know which one to go with? From what i understand a 302 fits in well with only having to heat up and bend the heater box a little bit.(from what i understand) My father did a 302 swap into his 86 ranger when he was in highschool but hes not sure on newer rangers. I know that whatever i do i want it to be fuel injected but i dont know if a 351w is even possible?

 

[brinker88]

 

[SUPERHAWK996]

i have done some searching on this forum as well as a couple others. It seams to me that the 351 is just a tad bit bigger(deck height etc.) But what im asking is is this even possible. Whatever i put in the truck is going to be stroked and built so will i have room for a 351 or not?

 

[FlamedRanger87]

A 351 can be installed in a Ranger the difference between a 302 & 351 swap is a set of headers are hard to install and header box needs a bit more pushing in. I am just about done building up a 400+HP 351W for my 87 and putting it in after winter

 

[SUPERHAWK996]

where can one aquire headers for the swap. jegs makes ranger 302 swap header but what would i want to use for a 351?

 

[projectnitemare]

Til 97 a V8 swap is pretty much hasn't changed. As far as mounts 302 or 351 both will work but you will want to try to get a 351 mounted lower because it is taller. To my knowledge nobody makes off the shelf 351 swap headers anymore and they for for 2wd only. You can search through assorted manifolds some 70's cars and early broncos will work. Headers worth using on a stroker will need to be custom. If you are planning on using this truck with a "built" stroker also add 1 ton axles to your swap list and most likely boxing the frame because it isnt going to hold up. I was able to break 1/2 ton axles on command and twisted the frame. That was with 520hp, the stock frame doesn't take it well.

 

[SUPERHAWK996]

So what would i need as far as electrical. I'm planning on finding a 351 out of a 94-95 f150 and getting the automatic transmission and transfer case. I would like to make it fuel injected so what would i need. My thoughts were the computer, wiring harness? I will possibly add a 3 point roll cage and stiffin up the frame. Im also going to work on finding a 9inch rear end from a bronco to put in the back.

 

[projectnitemare]

The easiest would be to take all the electrical to run the engine and graft it into the Ranger. A 351 F-series will have and E4OD so you will be making a tight squeeze to get that in. You can use basically any fullsize t-case. I suggest using the NP 205 or 208 for best fit but some have used the BW1356. This is the best instance of a good fitting 1356 I have ever seen http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132734 Unless you know where a big bearing 31 spline 9 inch is laying around don't bother looking. You can get and Explorer 8.8 with a limited slip and disc brakes any day of the week for a decent price. They are set up spring under, just swap the mounts. That axle is stronger all day long than a standard 9 inch and is nearly bolt it.

 

[SUPERHAWK996]

Thanks man big help! I think header wise im going to just order the custom/doityourself headers and make something work there. Yes strengthening the frame is in order because i want this motor to be pushing 500hp

 

[projectnitemare]

what size tire are you planning on using? 500hp on 1/2ton axles doesn't mix well if you are going to really use the thing. It can be a snowball effect pretty quick as far as what you are going to replace because it breaks. 35-40 inch tires i would go 1 tons, any bigger than that you will need some high dollar axle parts or rockwells

 

[SUPERHAWK996]

im already rolling on 33