Ok first things first. I know this is insanely early. But I want to make sure I make the right decision.

I have a '94 Ranger XLT with a 4.0L and 5 speed stick. Around 142K on it.

Being that this is my last Christmas at home, my parents told me to ask for whatever I want, they're gonna make it happen (monetary issues have lined up quite well as of late).

So I've come down to two options for the Ranger.

A) Supercharger. I know there are some out there for the 4.0L OHV. But with the high mileage, I'm not sure if I want to do it. Even though the "cool" factor is there, I'm not sure the engine could handle much boost for long. And the Ranger's gotta make it through four years of college.

B) 351, new tranny, new rear end. Cram a 351 under the hood. I'd obviously need a new transmission, and I'm going to have to re-gear, as I'm running those pitiful 3.08s. This is my preferred option. Plus I could rebuild it all spring, install it over the summer, and be good to go for college. It would be built, racing cam, exhaust, heads. I'd like a carbed one.

What do you guys think? Moneywise, what would each one run? Anybody on here have either of the above?

I know it's early, but thanks for the help.

RP
Zach

 

I'd go for the obvious choice on this one, new transmission. You should always choose what you actually need over what you just want. And as you stated your truck needs a new tranny... Where are you going for college?

-Daniel

 

99.9% sure Southern Oklahoma State University. The big kicker is if you keep a 4.0L they waive 100% of your tuition. Which leaves me paying flying costs (say 25K all four years put together) and room and board of course. Not bad, really. The truck will make an occasional run into town and home (about an hour away) and that's about it really. Gas mileage is not a problem at all.

RP
Zach

 

I had a wish list starting for mine...(the future Ranger not the 150) most things are just straight foward for mine...

But i'd Opt for the 351...(or 302?) being that the SC could just boost its way out of your truck mid-way through college....

With that being said... I'd build up that 351...with the "parts" to take a future bolt-on plug-n-play SC later...

 

why dont you do the 2.3 swap off a merkur i know its a smaller motor but its turbo stock and the internals on the engine go up to 400hp
thats a boosted ranger at about 20 pounds lol
i wanna do that to mine but as you seen in my other thread my list of needs to be dont crap i cant get time for it
but its a idea and its cheap i got a friend with a merkur 2.3 engine in his origional car and he pushed 30 pounds on upgraded studs and cometic headgasket...
you would probbly have to get a t-5 or whatever those trannys are tho

 

Interesting situation; back when I was a kid and when I heard things along these lines I flat out refused to accept anything (like over $100 in today dollars) out of the principle that I insisted on earning everything for myself. I held my ground on this one too and it was worth it. But if I was given the opportunity..........................how about 640 - 1,280 acres (awww hell, why stop here, you can never have enough), a custom built house of my design, 12-16' brick wall around the perimeter of my property to keep the scum out, armed guards on the brick wall, etc etc. Whoops, one little problem just came up. Everything I really want is just flat out too unreasonable to ask for. Back to earning money for myself to buy things I want and having to live within my means. Gives me personal incentive to try harder and push the limits sometimes. Makes me pretty damn proud to do it all for myself; "I earned it" situation .

*If you really want to surprise and truely impress your mother and father, tell them that you have thought about their offer and that you think they owe it to themselves to take a very nice vacation, such as on a cruise ship. Then remind them that they said they're "gonna make it happen". Tell them thanks for the offer, but that you know you can pull yourself up by your bootstraps and then proceed to show them just what you can do. Ten short years from now, you will not regret this decision.

 

That was really Deep, Billy... Also a very good "model"...

It reminds of when I told my 'rents and sisters that I didn't want anything for my 19th and 20th b-days...



But they bought me somt' anyhow

Thread Unnn-HiJacked.....

 

Invest in a set of serious tools and shop manuals instead. They will last you a lifetime.

 

well, if your not sending your parents to Jamaca, or getting a-spot-o'-land fur yourself, i'ld opt for the 351, along with the options you mentioned. maybe next summer then after you get it all in we could see each others trucks. the supercharger be better in power, but could kill your truck in two years. plus, with a beefed up rearend, it will be more like having a really cool looking f-150. and if you could find a carbed one, all the more to ya, they are easier, and cheaper, to tune. you have the 4x4 option right?

Now may i ask why you aren't heading to Spartin Aviation, thats where i'm looking at.

man, your making me jealous. and i just fixed mine.

 

Zach, wanting to fixup your current ranger is noble, but for the kind of money your talken, you could get a newer ranger, maybe a 4x4 with a 4.0 sohc. It would be dependable for school, have plenty of power, and have 4x4 capability. I'm not saying not to fix up your truck, but something like that can be a life long project. Work on it as time and money allows. You may change your mind 6 times about what motor you want in it, and other things before you get your project finished. Take your time and do it right, there's no hurry, your young. A good dependable vehicle to use for school would be more important (lower mileage). Remember, you will never get the money back out of a project, that you put into it, it's more for personal satisfaction, and pass it down to your kids. Since it is your parents money, spend it wisely, give it alot of thought. As your friend, I don't mean to bring you down, just think about it, your a smart kid, you'll make the right decission.

 

Spartin? As in Spartan? I've heard not too grand things about them. And no, I have a 2WD truck.

This is turning out to be an interesting Christmas. We've already got it pretty much planned out. My dad and I know what we're getting my mom, my mom and I know what we're getting my dad. And everybody's gift has to do with vehicles.

After the post by Cowboy, I'll probably have to sit down and rethink the whole idea.

RP
Zach

 

Right... Go 351!

 

If anybody on here has swapped gear sets, how much was it? Would you trust eBay for it? Is it a job you can do yourself or would I be better off letting our mechanic do it?

RP
Zach

 

RP,

Why not get a few important things you need to keep the current truck in good condition and put the rest of the 351 swap $$ away for a rainy day, guess I'm showing my age too, LOL.

Since you have a 4.0 you should have an 8.8 rear, that should handle the 351 and the 3.08s wouldn't be bad with a 351. My 1988 5.0 HO Mustang came with 2.73s and it hauled butt. If you do swap the gears let a pro set them up, it's a real art and if you do it wrong you'll be replacing everything again.

 

2.73s, holy crap I didn't know they made that ratio!

Lemme pose a new question. Does a cam change the sound a vehicle makes?

I was thinking instead of an engine swap or a supercharger, get a new cam, clutch (and associated parts), and 3.73s or 4.10s.

I'd like that nice lopy sound you hear in a lot of older hot rods. I don't expect the Ranger engine to sound like that, but I was thinking a cam might have something to do with it.

Ideas? I'm open to everything.

RP
Zach