i think its like 86 -88 supercab shortbox 4x4 2.9L 5 speed $600 the engines blown, what other engines are compatible, i have a 4" suspension lift for it. I would like to put a 3.8 in it, if its a bolt in. The thing is that I can deal with engine mounts and bell housing, but will the computer for the 2.9 work for the 3.8? since the engine is EFI.

 

i just remembered i have a 2.3l im pulling from my mustang, how hard would it be to put that in this ranger?

 

The easiest is another 2.9 or a 4.0 with the electronics.

 

Yea, what Ken said, 2.9L would probably be the easiest. As far as the 2.3L, that is what I have in my 88'. The 2.3L came in many of the Ranger models. Not the fastest thing out there, but good mpg.... without huge tires a well kept one can get 23+ mpg.

 

yeah well im looking at a 4" suspension lift, 2" body and 31's. Ive got 31s on my toyota right now, It goes good enough. It would be nice to use the 2.3 since i have it, what kind of tranny would I have if its a 5 speed, 4wd?

 

Mine is a 4x2 with a Mazda (E87A sticker code). The other 80s transmission was the Mitsubishi (FE?? code). You can tell them apart where the Mazda has a 1 piece case. The Mitsubishi has a detachable bell housing.

 

wierd if it has a removable bellhousing and i can find one to fit the 2.3 then im doing it. How are the 2.9L engines all around?

 

The 2.9s are great engines (much better powerband compared to the 3.0) as long as you don't overheat them if your running stock heads, also know for lifter noise but it doesn't cause any problems.