Ranger engine swap
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: glenwood
Ranger engine swap
Hey everyone, I have a question about a swap. i have an 86 4x4 automatic ranger with the 2.9 v-6. The whole truck has 202,000 mile on it and the tranny is starting to act up. I just bought an 85 4x4 manual ranger with the 2.8 v-6, that the motor is junk but has many less miles on it. My question is that i believe this swap is simple, am I wrong. I figure since the blocks are the same, the trannies should both bolt up and the motor mounts should be the same correct? Also, I know I'll have to pull the computer from the 86 to go with the engine, will the computer work with the tranny? Any coments would be greatly appreciated, Thanks
Last edited by andrewrj; Aug 25, 2003 at 07:40 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY Rochester
Ranger engine swap
Hey there andrewrj and welcome to FTE!
You are going to have soooo much fun doing this swap! I can only recommend at this point that you get a repair manual that covers both years. Some measuring of bolt patterns is in order as well. Since the tranny is a manual, I can't imagine there is anything that a computer would need to control.
You may want to consider just driving the one ranger for now and drop a small block into the other! HEE HEE! You can take your time during the build up and all your friends will be envious!!!
Get back to us if you need more assistance. Talk with you later....
You are going to have soooo much fun doing this swap! I can only recommend at this point that you get a repair manual that covers both years. Some measuring of bolt patterns is in order as well. Since the tranny is a manual, I can't imagine there is anything that a computer would need to control.
You may want to consider just driving the one ranger for now and drop a small block into the other! HEE HEE! You can take your time during the build up and all your friends will be envious!!!
Get back to us if you need more assistance. Talk with you later....
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: glenwood
Ranger engine swap
Hello again,
What exactly is meant by measuring bolt patterns? What would make this swap so hard besides changing the wiring looms, I figured everything else would be fairly simple. What info do I need to know to do this, or at least that would keep me away from doing this?
What exactly is meant by measuring bolt patterns? What would make this swap so hard besides changing the wiring looms, I figured everything else would be fairly simple. What info do I need to know to do this, or at least that would keep me away from doing this?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY Rochester
Ranger engine swap
Hey there andrewrj! There may be a difference in the bellhousing, where the engine bolts to it. Some are the same, manual or auto.
You want to make sure when you take the measurements, that they are the same. I just don't want to see you ripping out engines and not be able to make the switch.
When you do the switch, make sure you use the flywheel and Harmonic Balancer from the same engine. They are a match. Keeps the engine from trying to vibrate from the mounts!
Don't worry, I'm sure everything will work out. Nothing should keep you from at least trying the swap.
You REALLY need to get the repair manual that will include both models. You never know. Sometime in the future, you may have to do some maintenance on it.
Give us a hollar if you need more assistance.... Talk to you later....
You want to make sure when you take the measurements, that they are the same. I just don't want to see you ripping out engines and not be able to make the switch.
When you do the switch, make sure you use the flywheel and Harmonic Balancer from the same engine. They are a match. Keeps the engine from trying to vibrate from the mounts!
Don't worry, I'm sure everything will work out. Nothing should keep you from at least trying the swap.
You REALLY need to get the repair manual that will include both models. You never know. Sometime in the future, you may have to do some maintenance on it.
Give us a hollar if you need more assistance.... Talk to you later....
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 1
From: Perry,Ga.
Ranger engine swap
I dont went to sound mean but there is a lot of diffrence in the 2.8 and the 2.9 swap.The 2.9 is FI there for you need to swap the wireing,the fuel pump will need to be changed 2.9 takes the elec.fuel pump{more wires to run}.You will need to geta 2.9 flywheel for a standerd trans.,you might need to get a starter too.The 302 swap sounds like the best idea. GOOD LUCK!!
You are looking at a major rewrieing job with the 2.8 to the 2.9I dont think it would be that easy to do JM.02W
You are looking at a major rewrieing job with the 2.8 to the 2.9I dont think it would be that easy to do JM.02W
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
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From: Upstate NY Rochester
Ranger engine swap
Hey there GrayRanger4x4! Thanks for the input! I wasn't sure what year the Ranger had switched to the electric fuel pump, and andrewrj should really get the repair manual that covers both years. It sure would answer alot of questions for him.
I like the 302 conversion. Simple and effective. Enough said!
Talk with you guys later....
I like the 302 conversion. Simple and effective. Enough said!
Talk with you guys later....
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 1
From: Perry,Ga.
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From: glenwood
Ranger engine swap
Hello all,
After all of the wonderful advise, i decided to think about just swapping trannies, so I can have one truck that runs. But then I found out that that requires finding other stuff like the fly wheel and everything, so as of right now, im trying to see if I can find out what is wrong with the 2.8l motor. Thanks everyone for the advise.
After all of the wonderful advise, i decided to think about just swapping trannies, so I can have one truck that runs. But then I found out that that requires finding other stuff like the fly wheel and everything, so as of right now, im trying to see if I can find out what is wrong with the 2.8l motor. Thanks everyone for the advise.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY Rochester
Ranger engine swap
Hey andrewrj! Hey no problem! At least you got back to us...
Maybe, since you've got the other one just sitting around, you can play with it a bit.
You know, there's a lot of info at the Bronco II section you may want to check as well, since you'll be doing some investigating on whats wrong with the 2.8ltr.
Alot of the B-II stuuf is used on them as well. Good luck friend. Make sure you get ahold of us if you need to. Talk with you guys later....
Maybe, since you've got the other one just sitting around, you can play with it a bit.
You know, there's a lot of info at the Bronco II section you may want to check as well, since you'll be doing some investigating on whats wrong with the 2.8ltr.
Alot of the B-II stuuf is used on them as well. Good luck friend. Make sure you get ahold of us if you need to. Talk with you guys later....
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