I need nore power Scotty

I have a
96 Ranger XLT LB
4cyl
2WD 8.8 3.73 posi
62,xxx
5spd
no tach

I want to change it to a V6 3.0 or 4.0 (Preferably 4.0 ) 4x4
How difficult is this what do I need any help, instructions yall can give me would be much apreciated.

Thanks

 

IMHO, you should forget about converting your truck to a 4x4 ...by the time you hopefully have it all figured out and functioning properly, it won't even be worth your time, effort and expense. You would be better off selling what you have now and applying the sale proceeds along with the $$ you would have blown on the conversion to get yourself a pretty nice 4x4 (and probably even a 4.0L at that).

As far as upgrading your current 4 banger to a 3.0L or 4.0L, I don't know the specifics of the swap and whether the 6 cyls. would bolt in easy or not, but I do believe you would be OK tranny-wise, since I think all the 4 & 6 cylinder Ranger engines available in '96 get bolted to the same manual tranny (Mazda M5OD-R1).

 

If you really want more power you may be better off with a v8 swap to a 302. Swap kits are available from several different companys and would probably be much more cost effective than trying a v6. Either way you will probably be looking at a whole bunch of rewiring.
With the 302(5.0) you would have the option of switching everything over to a carburated setup or you could source the entire wiring harness, computer, manifolds, etc. from any injected, late model Ford. I would recommend trying to stay with components from a Mustang 5.0L. Used and aftermarket parts for this set-up are a dime a dozen. If you use a mass-air system, 89-93 Mustang, you can do any performance upgrades you want without trouble.
I don't know all that much about the V6 stuff but I would have to wonder if the effort and expense would be worth the effort. The 5.0 will give you more power than you will know what to do with.

 

Can a V8 go into a 98 Ranger? Will it fit?

 

It should fit like a glove. I haven't seen anything that says a 98 is any different than the older models. All the literature and all the swap kits I have seen don't exclude any of the years.

It is a tight fit that requires minor things like an exact oil filer relocation kit and it's recommended to get a custom radiator that tucks up under the radiator support for extra clearance at the front of the motor. They also have headers especially for the swap but headers from other year vehicles will also work. I am going to try to fit stock headers and the H-pipe under mine. I don't know if it is going to work but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

You already have fuel injection and I'm told that your gas tank, fuel pump, and everything else will support up to a stock 5.0L. If you up the power ante, you can buy and install any of the aftermarket high out put pumps for the Mustangs.

I just bought basicly the entire injection set up from an 88 Mustang for $160. This included both intakes, throttle body, fuel injectors, fuel rail, distributor, computer, and entire wiring harness. He also threw in a set of 24lb injectors and another set of stock headers just to get them out of his garage. I also obtained the entire wiring harness schematic off of The Ranger Station so I know what plugs into what. It's that simple and cheap.

I'm still in the process of collecting parts for this project but I have been researching it for some time now. I'm told to expect having to do something with the rear suspension. A set of traction bars, at least, will be needed to keep the tires around more than 500 miles.

As far as the 4x4 issue, the swap will work with a 4x4 set up after installing a special tail housing on the tranny. You will need a C4 or AOD by the way. The one you have now will self destruct. I wouldn't touch the 4x4 swap with a ten foot pole!!

 

To clarify the exhaust issue I just wrote, I am going to try to use the stock exhaust from the Mustang. The stock H-pipe already has the provisions for the needed O2 sensors so now custom welding will be needed to add these.

To further quantify costs. I obtained my 302 and an AOD transmission from a 89 Ford van that I drove home for $100. The engine block is the exact same as a high out put(HO) block but Ford puts in a flat tappet cam instead of a roller like the HO. I opted to convert to the roller cam which has the firing order of a 351. That's why I had to go with all the Mustang stuff. It could have been as easy as taking everything from the van and putting it into the Ranger.

Sorry for the long winded answer to a simple question. The short answer is yes it will.

 

Do you have emission testing in your area? If so, a V-8 swap might not even be legal. I know it's not here.

I agree with Rockledge though. For the money you would spend to do an engine swap and a conversion to 4X4, you'd be better off buying a truck that came from the factory the way you want it.

 

Very good point about the emissions testing. I don't have to worry about that here so it didn't cross my mind.