Introduction
This is one of my most favorite 1982-1992 Ford Ranger builds. TRS Forum member ‘svt3773’ wanted to build his 1989 Ford Ranger into what he thought Carol Shelby would have built, if he was to build a Cobra version of the Ford Ranger. I think this truck achieved that goal. It definitely has the look, as well as the horsepower needed to meet the Shelby expectations.
The members of our forum liked this Ranger so much that they voted it as Truck of The Month in 2014, and it was awarded the 2014 Mini Truck of The Year by our forum members as well.
Specifications
Engine:
- Fully rebuilt ford mustang 306 motor
- Oem 1993 mustang cobra ported/polished upper and lower intake
- Oem 93 cobra 70mm Mass Air Meter and x3z computer
- Ford racing 24lb injectors
- Steeda stage 2 cam
- Steeda aluminium roller rockers
- 65mm polished throttle body
- HFP 255LPH fuel pump
- Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator
- Msd ignition coil/cap
- Northern Aluminum Radiator
- New Be Cool qualifier electric fan
- New K&N air intake tube and filter
Transmission:
- Newly rebuilt 5 speed transmission
- Ford performance parts bellhousing and clutch fork
- MDL T-5 front shift tail shaft housing
- Ford performance king cobra clutch
- Ford performance flywheel
- ARP flywheel bolts
- Ford performance hurst short throw shifter
- Summit racing mini pro torque starter
Suspension / Rear Axle:
- Djm suspension lowering i-beams
- Belltech lowering coil springs
- Djm rear flip kit
- Belltech nitro drop 2 front shocks
- Belltech front and rear anti sway bars
- Monroe rear air rear shocks
- Moog front ball joints and links
- Energy Suspension sway bar bushings
- Ford performance Gear Ring and Pinion 3.73
- Yukon DuraGrip Ford 8.8″ Posi
- Trick flow rear diff cover
Brakes:
- sn95 cobra custom aluminum bracket brake conversion kit
- Upgraded cobra 13″ slotted rotors front and rear
- Rebuilt sn95 cobra front calipers powder coated
- sn95 cobra rear calipers
- Skyjacker stainless steel braided brake hoses front/rear
Wheels & Tires:
- Race Star 92 Drag Star Dark Star Black Chrome Wheels 18×5 fronts and 18×10.5 rears
- Nitto NT05 295/35/18 tires
Body:
- Custom made Cervinis Mach I hood
- Pace Edwards JackRabbit locking Tonneau Cover
- Shaved mirrors and tail gate holes
- Street Scene Roll Pan
Interior:
- 2004 Ford Ranger 2-tone black/grey bench seat
- 1994 Ford Explorer visors
- AutoMeter sport-comp 2 1/16 analog gauges (volts,water/oil temp,oil pressure,fuel level)
- AutoMeter sport-comp series 3 3/8 speedometer 160mph
- AutoMeter sport-comp series 3 3/8 tachometer 0-8000 rpm
- Summit racing digital shift light tachometer
Links
1989 FORD RANGER 5.0 SWAP LIKE NEW
Photo Gallery
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures contributed by owners worldwide. TheRangerStation.com has been referenced in print, video and online by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, and experience-based information.
