I was wondering if a 289 would fit in my 88 Ranger (currently 2.3). Please state what I would have to do for it to work as well. The current transmission is a 5 Speed Manual. The truck is 2WD, but I plan on putting 4WD on it.

thanks in advance

 

This has been cover a few times in the engine swap forums. I believe for a 302 not 289, but they are practically identical.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/f...play.php?f=136

 

You will need the transmission to go with the engine. And yes, the 289 and 302 is an identical engine with the exception of the .130" shorter stroke. Its one quick revving engine....
Be careful about what you have, because the early 289's used a 5 bolt bellhousing, which is fine if you have the right transmission or bellhousing to go with it. The 5 bolt block will not bolt up to the later and more common 6 bolt bell housing though.

 

Doing a carbed engine swap is certainly easier. I'm currently putting a 5.0 in my '89 Ranger, but I'm going to stay with EFI. Here's a link to a thread from the engine swap forum where I discussed the swap with another user:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=458590

Feel free to ask any questions that may occur to you. I've done a heck of a lot of research on this.

 

If you want to convert to 4x4 if is much easier for you do to a solid axle in the front. If not you will have to change out the engine crossmember for one from a 4x4 truck, they are different. Many people are using a Jeep Dana 30 front axle but I would suggest a stronger Dana 44 from a Ford. Since you want 4x4 find a small block C4, C6, or AOD that was in a 4x4 truck and you can use a fullsize t-case. I would suggest the NP208, it is a tight fit but it will work. The NP205 fits better but weighs twice as much and has a 1.96:1 low range compared to the 208's 2.6 or so. If you want a stick a M5R2 from an F-150 will work fine for you. Unless you personally know where an complete auto drivetrain from an early bronco is I would say away from the Dana 20 t-case. It's a good t-case but all the parts are expensive and early bronco specific.

Matt

 

The problem with a 289 (or a pre 1980's 302) is they lack a dipstick provision in the block. The dipstick is in the timing cover and has a front sump pan. You'll need a fox body oil pan to fit the Ranger's crossmember, then you'll need to figure out a way to install a dipstick in the pan. The early 80's Fox pans had a dipstick, but these are hard to find items. Or you could use an early Bronco rear sump pan. The accessory bolt holes are also different on the 289 heads so that makes it difficult to adapt a newer front end accessory drive setup. All in all, it's much easier to do a V8 swap with an 86-up roller 302 from a 89-93T-Bird, Cougar, 94-95 Mustang, or an Explorer/Mountaineer. These all had a shorter FEAD to better fit in the Ranger's shorter engine bay

 

Motor mounts, oil filter relocation, radiator, exhaust manifolds are a few more things that will need addressed. All of which are available. I had a 86 4x4 with a 302/C4 project that I scrapped. Picked it up cheap for the engine. It's a tight fit. Careful with the drivetrain and do your research. Lot of added stress on the differentials.

 

People...check the date on this thread. It's 6 years old. The OP hasn't logged on since two days after he posted this, I doubt he'll be back to read these replies...

I'll split smallblock88's question off and move it to the Ranger forum since it's unrelated to thread here...

 

It's a dead thread, but since it was brought up, I'll put the oil pan info here for future searches, The 79 Fox chassis SBF pan with dipstick in the pan is Spectra Premium part# FP11C. Use that with a Lokar SBF pan mount dipstick kit. 80+ used the block mounted stick.

 

Crap! I usually check dates.