Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

Engine Swap Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 18, 2017 | 10:23 PM
  #1  
Zia-Lycan's Avatar
Zia-Lycan
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Question Engine Swap Question

My 2002 Ranger Edge has a little rod knock.

I still won't give her up. She's my baby. I have to save up funds to get the engine swapped. When I do, I was wondering if it would be possible to take out my V6 and drop in a 4cyl to save a bit on gas. I mean would everything bolt up the same, or would I have to buy new mounts? Would the trans line up? Would the computerized stuff need expensive changing/reprogramming?

Just looking to save some gas. My other three trucks drink gas like it's free.
 
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2017 | 05:59 PM
  #2  
spooktn's Avatar
spooktn
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 2
From: Usa
If you remove the 6 cylinder and put in a 4 banger you will need to change the motor mounts and get the 4 banger computer at very least,,,not sure if the 4 banger will mount to your transmission,,,not sure if the wiring harness will work either,,,you might need 4 banger wiring harness also,,,but maybe someone with better knowledge will chime in !!!!!
 
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2017 | 06:17 PM
  #3  
85e150's Avatar
85e150
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,503
Likes: 2,820
Club FTE Gold Member
Trans and computer. IMO not worth the cost and effort for what will probably be a slight increase in mpg. In other words, it won't pay back all the costs for quite a long time.

Good luck with it.
 
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2017 | 06:36 PM
  #4  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
What motor is in it now? The 2.3L is a little better on gas than the 3.0 but not enough to offset the drop in power IMO, and this would be a complicated swap too.. computer, wiring, trans, driveshaft/s, engine mounts, ect.
 
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2017 | 06:41 PM
  #5  
Zia-Lycan's Avatar
Zia-Lycan
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
So it seems to be as figured. Looks like I will just swap it with the same (3.0). Heck maybe I'll get the initiative to just rebuild that one.
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2017 | 02:32 PM
  #6  
98 Thunderbolt's Avatar
98 Thunderbolt
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Lightbulb Well>>>>>

Originally Posted by Zia-Lycan
My 2002 Ranger Edge has a little rod knock.

I still won't give her up. She's my baby. I have to save up funds to get the engine swapped. When I do, I was wondering if it would be possible to take out my V6 and drop in a 4cyl to save a bit on gas. I mean would everything bolt up the same, or would I have to buy new mounts? Would the trans line up? Would the computerized stuff need expensive changing/reprogramming?

Just looking to save some gas. My other three trucks drink gas like it's free.
===================
What are your other 3 trucks?

The 4 banger wouldn't be worth it! Way underpowered and bout 15 MPG in my experiences.

Find ya a wrecked 98-01 Explorer 5.0L AWD and swap the whole drivetrain over to your Edge, complete bolt-in swap. Might as well have the power when ya need it for the same or better MPG as the 3slo.
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2017 | 08:06 PM
  #7  
Zia-Lycan's Avatar
Zia-Lycan
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 98 Thunderbolt
What are your other 3 trucks?...
The other three are a 1989 Ford E150, 1979 Ford C600 (see my avatar for that), and 1971 Dodge D200.
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2017 | 11:31 AM
  #8  
98 Thunderbolt's Avatar
98 Thunderbolt
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Arrow Kool............

Originally Posted by Zia-Lycan
The other three are a 1989 Ford E150, 1979 Ford C600 (see my avatar for that), and 1971 Dodge D200.
======================
Like the old C600 Cabover & drove a few of the mid to late 70's Dodge Crewcabs durin my military career. Wish I'd of grabbed one of them when they retired them.

Howbout some pics of yours? I've got a 92 C2500 flatbed that I use as my Towpig.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 23, 2017 | 11:54 AM
  #9  
Zia-Lycan's Avatar
Zia-Lycan
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 98 Thunderbolt
Howbout some pics of yours?...













 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2017 | 01:03 PM
  #10  
98 Thunderbolt's Avatar
98 Thunderbolt
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Arrow >>>>

VERY NICE! Thanks for sharin!

That 600 with a rollback on it would be a SWEET Recovery vehicle.

The D200 is a BEASTY lookin work truck.

I've got a line on a Econoline with a FI 460 for $800, haven't jumped on it yet as don't need another vehicle sittin around, gotta a yard full now......Wife says it looks like a used car lot.
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2017 | 03:33 PM
  #11  
Zia-Lycan's Avatar
Zia-Lycan
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
^ Still only $800 with that unstoppable motor. Mine has a FI straight six.
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2017 | 09:08 PM
  #12  
98 Thunderbolt's Avatar
98 Thunderbolt
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Arrow >>>>

Originally Posted by Zia-Lycan
^ Still only $800 with that unstoppable motor. Mine has a FI straight six.
=====================
Those 4.9L/300 ci I-6 was one of Ford's BEST! Don't understand why they ever dropped it.

I may havta take the hit from the Wife and jump on the Eco, tell her its for storage.
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2017 | 09:15 PM
  #13  
Zia-Lycan's Avatar
Zia-Lycan
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 98 Thunderbolt
Those 4.9L/300 ci I-6 was one of Ford's BEST! Don't understand why they ever dropped it.
I believe the reason was that smaller cars and smaller hoods were becoming the thing. The V6 made more sense for that reason only, but it was reason enough. I think they may still be in production overseas.
 
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2017 | 03:38 PM
  #14  
Pgh Rebel's Avatar
Pgh Rebel
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 7
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Originally Posted by Zia-Lycan
My 2002 Ranger Edge has a little rod knock.

I still won't give her up. She's my baby. I have to save up funds to get the engine swapped. When I do, I was wondering if it would be possible to take out my V6 and drop in a 4cyl to save a bit on gas. I mean would everything bolt up the same, or would I have to buy new mounts? Would the trans line up? Would the computerized stuff need expensive changing/reprogramming?

Just looking to save some gas. My other three trucks drink gas like it's free.

Cheapest and easiest route would be to replace it with another 3.0, or like you said to rebuild what you got. Regarding the transmission, I will say that the 3.0 and the 4-popper used the same transmission. The 5-speed would be the M5/OD while the automatic would be the 5R44E. Computer will definitely need to be changed if swapped with a 4. If you throw in another 3.0, it might all depend on what year, transmission, etc the donor truck is; if the PCM needs to be replaced. This being said, if you replace the engine, try to get the whole truck. That way you more than likely have the needed parts. PCM might still need to be reprogrammed regardless of what you do, even after it's swapped over. The computer modules get a little finicky about engine replacements.
If it was me, taking all of this into consideration; I'd rebuild the existing 3.0. But it's your decision
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Vinford
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Nov 21, 2011 09:16 PM
RangerDanger
Engine Swaps
2
Dec 20, 2005 01:13 AM
TommyF150inMN
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
May 16, 2004 08:00 PM
amp17757
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
4
Jan 27, 2004 11:04 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:26 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE