Ford Ranger Engine swap

wayne420wayne420 Member Posts: 2
edited July 2014 in Ford
I have a 1990 Ranger, Extended cab,5-speed, but motor is messed with high kms. Just woundering if a 2.8 carbuted would bolt in my truck and if i could use the same wire harness. Right now there is a 2.9l fuel injected
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  • 06ranger06ranger Member Posts: 2
    my basic 06 rangers was totaled. what year and other auto makes like the mazda i'm told, will the engine and automatic transmission fit into ?
  • mrjones944mrjones944 Member Posts: 8
    Youre in luck because Ford has done dick with the Ranger in years. Depending on your configuration, which you didnt mention, you could as far back as 1996ish
  • guestguest Member Posts: 770
    sorry, its what you they call a " basic " no XL or any of that. 2.3L 4 cylinder automatic. a tin can with wheels.the insurance company totaled it so can't use the body any longer. the cab was caved in but the rest of the truck is brand new. only 5700 miles on it driven by a 70 old. highway miles at that too. bet he never got over 60 mph in it. he's my pop.
  • geraldfgeraldf Member Posts: 1
    will the engine and trans.(4cyl.stick) 96 be compatable with 89 (4cyl.stick ) Please advise.
    Both vehicles are ranger pickups GF
  • fordtechfordtech Member Posts: 34
    I dont see why not. Just make sure you swap the pcm over and put a label to indicate this when you do the swap. There have been several upgrades to the engine calibration in that amount of time. Every new year has a new problem. I would pay great amount of detail to the sensors and the wiring harness, as you might have to swap those out due to the introduction of new sensors and what not. So just be on the lookout for sensors that dont have plugs. On the other hand you could just leave those sensors unplugged, since they werent needed in the 89 anyway.
  • akayrayakayray Member Posts: 1
    I have a'99 ford ranger 3.0L auto 4X4 I was wondering if a 4.0L eng would be an exact{or real close} fit into my 3.0L ranger and what kind of Mods would I have to make?
  • 06ranger06ranger Member Posts: 2
  • whitener0420whitener0420 Member Posts: 2
    i'm looking to buy a pair of taillights from a 2006 Ford Ranger. please email me at usmcwhitener@aol.com. thanks.
  • tkannowtkannow Member Posts: 1
    Hello everyone. I have an under powered 1984 Ranger 4x4. It has a four inch lift, 31 inch tires, Carburated 2.8 with a 5 speed trans. I have two engines choices, which would be best to use? I have a 1990 Aerostar 4.0 and an 1990 Tbird SC with a 3.8 supercharger. Any helpfull info would be great. Thanks
  • jhknightjhknight Member Posts: 46
    I believe that back around 1983 there was a diesel Ranger? I would like to swap out my thirsty 4.0 in my 1999 (glug glug) Or maybe an Isuzu turbo diesel....
  • dangerranger1dangerranger1 Member Posts: 1
    This might sound a little strange and very time consuming but i got the time. I want to swap my 1997 ford ranger (gas) engine with a deisel engine. If anyone knows what type of deisel engine would fit or other things that would need to be changed in this process please let me know!
  • tally_pantstally_pants Member Posts: 1
    just wanted to know if it would be possible to take the engine from a 94 ranger xlt (automatic, reg cab, 2wd) and put it in a 97 ranger (standard, reg cab, 2wd) both vehicles are just stock. friends want engine in his 97 so he will have a six cylinder standard and not a four cylinder. thank you very much
  • jtglowniakjtglowniak Member Posts: 2
    i was actually thinking about the same exact thing. im not sure what can fit. i wonder if it would be possible to put a 24v cummins in. my friend has a 1984 dodge d50 with a 2.3 turbo diesel. but i dont want a little 4cyl. my 4.0 does pretty good for now, but i would like a cummins 24v, or a 7.3 powerstroke.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Putting a Cummins or Powerstroke in a Ranger... that's just asking for trouble. Dry weight of those engines is around 1000 pounds - your suspension would never last.

    kcram - Pickups Host
  • jtglowniakjtglowniak Member Posts: 2
    lol. well another thing would to put mid 80's early 90's f150 running gear/drivetrain. yeah, its asking for trouble, but is it possible? still on a ranger ext cab 4x4 frame/body?
  • northganorthga Member Posts: 7
    I am new to this. I know i am in the wrong place for this but I don't know where else to go. I just signed on a few minutes ago. I want to discuss 2007 chevrolet silverados. Can someone let me know.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Welcome aboard!

    The discussion you want is 2007 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra: First Impressions. Remember, you can always use the make and model search boxes in the left margin to find the discussions for the vehicle you're interested in.

    kcram - Pickups Host
  • northganorthga Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the help
  • hound_doghound_dog Member Posts: 1
    is it possible for a 97 ford ranger motor can work for a 90? seem's like a large jump... not sure if it will work or not, let me know thanks
  • rangerrocketrangerrocket Member Posts: 11
    What I'd recommend to you is to get as much of the 96 into the 89 as is possible. The OBD2 changeover happened for the 96 model (late year production) so you would gain a great deal of diagnostic ability. Get the ecm, wiring harness, fuel system and speed sensors etc. Just my $.02. I've done a pile of motorswaps and I've always done best by updating as much as possible to OBD2 standards.
  • fathersonprodfathersonprod Member Posts: 2
    I need some honest help. I have a 83 Ford Ranger 4x4 2.3L carbed 4cyl 4speed manual gutless p.o.s. with a torched tranny. Finding a used tranny for this truck is impossible around here! Rebuilds are endless but SPENDY...so a light flickered and now I want to do a engine/tranny swap!!! A V-8 swap is ideal for the offroad Ranger prodject but I ran into a guy who is selling me a 90 Bronco II 4x4 with a 2.9L V6 5 speed manual...PLEASE tell me if this swap (engine/tranny) will work! This will save me thousands of $$$. Is this swap even worth it?
  • rangerrocketrangerrocket Member Posts: 11
    It will work, but why not just use the B2? Off road they are more nimble than the Ranger because of the short wheelbase.
  • fathersonprodfathersonprod Member Posts: 2
    I would, but the B2 has been totaled in a major accident. THANKS!!! Any other advice or things to watch for?
  • snow6141snow6141 Member Posts: 2
    My truck has a 2.3L FI 4 cylinder engine and manual 5 speed transmission. I want to replace the engine. Can any one tell me what engines (years) I can do a straight replacement with? Can I do a straight replacement with a '91 for example? If so, what adjustments or modifications are necessary? Thanks.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    A good salvage will be able to tell you what engines will swap.
  • snow6141snow6141 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the quick response but I can't find a "good" salvage outfit that can help me. Specifically, I want to put an '88 Ranger 2.3L engine in my '85 Ranger. Can it be done?
  • jhorsmanjhorsman Member Posts: 1
    i have 99 ranger with 3.0l v6 that is bad i found 99 ranger 4.0l v6 used will they swap out ?
  • rangerrocketrangerrocket Member Posts: 11
    The 3.0 and 4.0 have different bellhousing bolt patterns. You will have to get the engine, transmission, PCM and wiring harness for this swap to work.
  • rangerrocketrangerrocket Member Posts: 11
    It can definitely be done. The blocks are the same. Just switch over the EFI stuff and the computer from the 88 and you can even upgrade to fuel injection (if you add a high pressure fuel pump as well).
  • 327stroker327stroker Member Posts: 1
    i have an 85 ranger 2wd with a 2.8 v6 5 speed manual tranny and 8.8 rear end. i'm buying a 95 cougar with a 302 i want to put it in my truck with the stock tranny and axle. i don't know much about engine swaps any help would be greatly appreciated
  • rangerrocketrangerrocket Member Posts: 11
    That tranny will last about 10 good minutes behind even the mildest 302 (assuming you could mate the 2 of them. If you want a manual trans without many setup headaches look for a M5OD-R2 out of a full size F series truck with a 351W, 302 or 300 I6. Get a 5.0L flywheel and you'll be good to go. If you want to keep things simple, put in a C4 and you won't even need to change your driveshaft.
  • tommyatommya Member Posts: 1
    I have a1984 ranger 2.8, 2x4 with a C3 trans. I am interested in swapping out with a 1983 ford mustang 5.0 engine with an AOD trans. If anyone has any advice, recommendations, or help please respond to this message. thanks
  • mickeymouse2mickeymouse2 Member Posts: 161
    I have seen a lot of request for finding out if an engine change will bolt up. I'm a mechanic and let me tell you how I do it. Call ATK engines and Transmissions. They rebuild engines and transmissions. Their software that they use can tell you what will bolt up to what. Another words, tell them the type of transmission you intend to use, and they should be able to give you a list of engines that will bolt up to it with the same bolt pattern. Good luck
  • djoseph19djoseph19 Member Posts: 1
    What V8 motors fit a 2001 ranger 2wd im thinking something like 351 or atleast any mustang motor with over 300hp any suggestions?
  • 97ranger297ranger2 Member Posts: 4
    I have a 97 ranger with a 2.3 4cyl. I also have a junk 96 Ranger that has a good 3.0 V6. Will the engines still bolt up alright? And yes the tranny will be moved with it. What exactly is the PCM, and I know both the PCM and Computer will have to be swapped but what exactly does the computer consiste of? Thanks in advance!
  • mickeymouse2mickeymouse2 Member Posts: 161
    Because you are planning to change the actual size of the engine there is a lot more than you realize that has to be swaped out.

    Complete wiring harness[not compatible]

    Exhuast manifolds and type and size of exhuast pipes and muffler.

    Motor mounts and transmission mount, and drive shaft. I'm not sure if the ring and pinion in the rear end is compatible or not.

    PCM-Power Control Modual. Its an on board computer consisting of a computer board, and ECM [electronic control modual]. Primary purpose is to take in sensor info and control spark, injection pulse, fuel pump power and to monitor emission related componets. It also makes timing decissions, pulse width decissions for injection amoung other adjustments that are measured in mili seconds. Your talking about decissions made at about the speed of light.

    You will also have to make a lot of other modifications like on how the fuel lines connect up ect. You may also run into a problem if one of the motors is designed to work with ABS brakes due to a harness and compatibility issue with either of the vehicles. Some Ford models have 4 wheel ABS, some have 2 wheel ABS, and others have no ABS. Your in for a lot of work. Good luck. It would almost be easier to change over the bed, doors, hood, fenders and interior than to do this type of motor change. Either way you decide to do it, its going to be some work.
  • 97ranger297ranger2 Member Posts: 4
    Right!
    The exhaust isn't a problem, I do exhaust. I went out yesterday and scoped out the motor mounts they appear to be the same, not sure about the tranny and I knew I had to switch the computers and yes a whole lotta work ahead. You did say one thing that I'm kinda weary on.. . . the ring and pinion. BUT . . . can't I just switch the rear ends since I have two complete trucks?

    Doing the computer work does suck . . . its been awhile but me and a friend did a real nice job on switching a 350 to a '89 Toyota Supra. Really awesome car now. It was computer swap and all of course. . .

    I reckon I just needed someones 2nd opinion on this. . . . I appreciate the input alot! Thanks

    Any Ideas on where I can grab a Wiring Diagram for the PCM?
  • mickeymouse2mickeymouse2 Member Posts: 161
    Ya you can swap the rear ends out, but you may not have too. You can call a drive line shop and ask them if they are the same, or call the parts dept at the dealer and ask them for the part numbers on the ring and pinion on both vehicles. If they are the same, so are the rear ends. Sometimes they need the number of a metal tag that is on one of the cover bolts of the rear end to tell you. On rear ends, application of the vehicle or even the vin# sometimes doesn't help identify the gear ratio.

    As for the wiring diagram, you won't need one. You will be using a factory harness that has plugs that will only plug in to the right thing. Its all plug n play. Just mark the plugs as to what they are connected to incase you run into a confidence or memory issue. Here is a tip. Use a numbering system to identify the plugs, and write what they are for by the corosponding numbers down on a piece of paper. This way, if you don't know what something is, but know its location and description of what it plugs into, you will be able to figure it out.
  • 97ranger297ranger2 Member Posts: 4
    Easy enough, make sence.

    Thanks for all the help!
  • 97ranger297ranger2 Member Posts: 4
    Not sure If you can help but, . . .

    On my 3.0 V6 engine its extremely hard to get cranked. . . . sounds like it wants to as soon as you turn the key but doesn't. . . . if I do get it cranked it only last for about 5 minutes, and and can't give it any gas or it will turn off?

    Just figured I would throw the question your way.
    Thanks
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Wild guess. Bad fuel pump. Clogged fuel filter.
  • knightmare1015knightmare1015 Member Posts: 1
    Nope, underneath the dash on the passenger side you'll find a large cylinder with a red button on top. That is your problem right there. That is ur fuelpump safty cutoff switch. Push and hold the button for about 5 to 10 seconds and it should be fine. But would recomend taking it to the nearest FORD dealer and have ur fuel pump checked, and Fuel Filter changed immediately once it has started. I am a Certified Ford Customer Service Technical Advisor. Which I received at Nascar Tech last year. I'm enjoying My 2nd Ranger. The first one was a 1997 with an escort engine. This one is an 04 Edge with a 3.0 V6. Anybody have any Idea where I can get a Camshaft and Cylinder Heads? My first Ranger and My 2nd ranger both had Bad safty cutoff switches, and my 2nd one had a bad Fuel pump. They no longer put the Fuelpumps inside the fuel tanks as of 2002 when the new emissions took affect, the mechanic forgot about this and it sprayed fuel all over him and the inside of my cab.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    It's not my problem, I was replying to 97ranger2.

    He said his truck was very hard to start, but after starting would run for a minute or so, then die.

    If the fuel safety cutoff is set or bad, the engine would never start, right? So, that can't be the problem.
  • bad289bad289 Member Posts: 1
    Any 289 or 302 will go in real easy. Get back to me for more info. I have two rangers with v8's. One has a stock 302/2bbl carb. that I have put almost 100,000 miles trouble free. The other one has a "hot rod" 289 and is real fast and trouble free.
  • dakotaacresdakotaacres Member Posts: 2
  • dakotaacresdakotaacres Member Posts: 2
    My son bought a 88 ranger with a 4 cylinder...lots of miles. Milage sucks big time. Wondering if this is due to a tired engine?

    How tough/expensive would it be to replace engine?

    thank you
  • bccougar09bccougar09 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 96 Ford ranger 6cyl. with 157,000. How hard or is it possible to swap the engine with a newer 04 model V6.
  • grump1grump1 Member Posts: 27
    HELLO , I 'AM IN NEED OF SOME HELP HERE ...I HAVE A 1983 FORD RANGER 4x4 WITH A BAD 2.3 CARBURETOR MOTOR ... I JUST PURCHASED A 1988 FORD RANGER 2 WHEEL DRIVE WITH A FI 2.3 ENGINE IN IT.......I WOULD LIKE TO SWAP OUT MY 1983 CARB MOTOR FOR THE 1988 2.3 FI ENGINE ...
    WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MAKE THIS CHANGE WORK ... PLEASE HELP , I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS THING IN BEFORE WINTER COMES...

    THANKS,
    GRUMP
  • grump1grump1 Member Posts: 27
    Hello ,
    I 'am In Need Of Some Help Here ...I Have a 1983 Ford Ranger 4x4 With a Bad 2.3 Carbured Motor ... I Just Purchased a 1988 Ford Ranger 2 Wheel Drive With a FI 2.3 Engine In It.......I Would Like To Swap Out My 1983 Carbured Motor For The 1988 2.3 FI Engine ...
    What Do I Need To Do To Make This Change Work ... Please Help , I Would Like To Complete This Before Winter Comes .

    Thanks,
    Grump

    :confuse:
  • grump1grump1 Member Posts: 27
    I,m sure I will need to change the engine wire harness But what else would I need to change..?. Will I need to change the gas tank ..? How much of the harnes will I need to change ..? Just the front or even inside the cab...? I already took the front engine harness out of my 1983 4x4 ranger and Changed everything that works on the 1988 Ranger - Stff on the fire wall and Inner fenders that go along with the 1988 ranger .... Do the headlight wires need to be changed also....? Please Help ,, This is total differn't from the stuff I do.. I'M STILL IN THE OLD STUFF, NOT COMPUTER [non-permissible content removed].
    Thanks Again ,
    Grump

    :confuse:
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