There's someone over on Fordsix who put one into a Ranger. I've also seen a few builds where they went into Bronco IIs (same front end). From what I've heard, it requires a significant lift (around 4") so that the engine will clear the axle.
From there, it's a matter of length. I think they usually have to have the radiator relocated to the sides or something.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/598778...lar-cab/page-1

 

2.3 is a god strong motor, I susspect you are correct on the tbelt, unless you put a bolt through the one hole in the cam sprocket, she'll move everytine when you release the tensioner, makes it VERY LAZY

 

that a bad ranger!!!!!!! thats crazy!

 

Hey Meester Charlie, is it possible to build these 300's for more low end power? Or are they kind of like the 5.0 that when you build it up it brings the powerband up?

 

That's exactly what I suspect happened. Pulls pretty decent up to about 2500 rpm, and falls flat on it's face. Certainly not what I would expect from a roller cam 2.3L.
Granted, it is a 5 speed and has 3.45 gears, but it's just a major dog in 4th/5th.
Also, barely opening the throttle will lose any sign of manifold vacuum.

I suspected this was the issue from the get go. I tried to investigate it, and ended up breaking the coolant temp sensor trying to look for the cam gear mark. Just left if be, for now. It was rather cold outside.
Warm weather is starting to come around, I'll replace the timing belt soon, just for added peace of mind. No telling when it was last done. I'm willing to bet it will run MUCH better when I do......

 

Hello
I have a 4.9L (300CID), manual transmission I am looking to sell. Would any one be looking to buy? Has 132,00 miles I am the 3rd owner, and it is my daily driver.

 

Depends... is it FI or carb? what kind of shape is it in? has it been rebuilt?

 

Sorry just had to drop a line in this thread.
How good is the 300? Well uncle jessie is a 1978 that my Dad has owned for as long as I can remember. It has moved me and my sisters ALL over the country, pulled all kinds of trailers, boats, etc and is still running to this day will I don't know how many miles. He fired right up and didn't complain a bit when I pulled him into the shop for major open heart surgery. He is gonna get a makeover and some more muscle.

 

My brothers and I have driven 4 of them, each over 300k miles. 2 with stick shift, and 2 with automatics. i have never had such a tough gasoline engine. Just maintain the cooling system, and change oil and filter regularly. It is as boilerplate as a truck engine will get. It is why I am still driving a 93 F150 4wd extended cab. It just keeps going.

My only issues:
1. if you are doing really heavy towing, it may not be enough. At the least, you would want the heavy duty cooling system, bigger radiator etc.
2. I prefer the stick shift, but I think the first gear is geared a little too high. I would prefer it more granny-geared. My brother did burn out an automatic on one at about 250k, which is not bad.

The wheel wells will rot on you, along with the panels. In the end, you may be sitting on an open truck. But it will keep going. I hope Ford can make its new engines as reliable as the 300cid.
My only fear with my 93 F-150 is that it will OUTLIVE ME!

 

the 300 doesnt need bulletproofed it left the factory bulletproofed lol

 

My gears are metal but I didn't know that until I pulled the engine apart. I never noticed any louder than normal noise from the engine.

 

Agreed Trozei,
I have metal gears in my '81, and there's nothing standoutish about it at all.

That said, my '84 has the phonelic, and it IS whisper quiet. There is a noticeable difference between the two in smoothness and sound.

However, the only way you'd really notice is to have driven both repeatedly and slowly learn to discern between the two. Certainly nothing that ever warranted them entering a weak point into one of the most stout engines ever just for a little noise reduction.

 

I just wanted to comment as a testament to the Ford 300 I6 in my 1986 F150 4speed manual. First, I was getting 14-16 mph BEFORE the modifications. It was slow, good torque, but slow. The mods: HD exhaust manifold with 2.5" exhaust with free flow muffler and turn down tip, rebuilt and tuned 1bbl carb from National Carberator, removed the smog pump and hoses (which was busted/leaking), removed "feedback" carb system and ignition and replaced with older Duraspark conversion. AFTER the mods I now get 18-22 mpg, it has much better top end and acceleration, and runs much smoother. Also, I traveled about 500 miles towing a trailer that weighed 6000 lbs (actual weight bc I had it weighed at a scale before I departed). It did fantastic: stayed around 70 mph on interstate and averaged over 15 mpg!!! I'm very happy with this engine and these mods. I'm glad I did these mods and not the 4bbl carb and intake.

 

Welcome to the forum! Is the HD exhaust manifold an original Ford part or one of the aftermarket ones listed on eBay?

 

The HD exhaust I purcgased was from Stevens who does list them on eBay. However, I did not go through eBay, I ordered it directly from Steven's website. It all bolted right up.