I have a '88 4X4 Ford Ranger pickup with a automatic transmission and I would like to replaces the 2.9 V-6 engine with a 2.3 4 cylinder from a '89 Ranger. Will the 4 cylinder bolt up in the '88 or am I going to need some adapter parts to make the swap?

 

Might get a better response if you post this in the engine swap section. Since the 2.3L was offered in this year Ranger, I would think everything would be a bolt in. I don't know if it will mate to the V6 trans tho. Might need an adapter for that.

 

Thanks. I'll post it in the engine swap section. I'm new and just feeling my way along. Thanks again.

 

Welcome to the forum, that swap isn't very common, a 4x4 tends to be underpowered with a 4 banger, because of this you don't gain much in mpg. Also the 4 banger 4x4's had 4:10 gears to help out, your v6 4x4 more than likely doesn't, so you may need a gear swap as well. You will need the I-4 engine, tranny and maybe even the t-case, motor mounts, computer and harnes. It's not as easy as one would think. The v6 tranny won't bolt up to the 4 and the t-case I don't think will bolt up to the 4 banger tranny. Trust me, you wouldn't want a 4 banger with an auto in a 4x4, especially if it isn't geared right, talk about sloooooowwww. I would think you would need 4:56 gears to even concider a 4 with an auto in a 4x4. All the 4 cylinder 4x4's that I've seen, have come from the factory with a manual tranny, if there were automatic ones, I haven't seen them. Any how, welcome to the forum, were glad to have you, and we'll try and help the best we can in whatever you decide to do, good luck !!!!

 

Thanks for the information. I didn't know if a 4 cyl swap with my V6 was even feasible. Sounds like I better think this over pretty good before I even start. I have a good 4 cyl and the V6 apparently has cracked head[s[. I just thought it might be a more economical fix to put the 4 in. Thanks again.
Gene

 

Even if you did go through all the work to do it, I think you would be pretty disapointed in the performance, or should I say lack of. It would be eaier and more cost effective to rebuild or replace your 2.9. You could sell your 2.3 to help recover some of the cost. 2.9's are a dime a dozon, so finding a good one cheap shouldn't be to hard. They made the 2.9 from 86 to 90, or 91, forget which. It might even be easier to swap in the 4.0 since the 2.9 and 4.0 are from the same engine family. Over all, the 2.9 fix or repair would be less involving compared to a swap. My dream project truck would be a rustfree 88 ranger 4x4 manual tranny and swap in a 4.0 or 5.0, maybe some day !!!

 

I think I may run a ad in our local area to see if there might be a good used 2.9 out there that I can pick up reasonable. Since I received your earlier message I have visited with some of my gearhead buddies and they agree with you about the 4 cyl in a 4X4 and that it would probably disappoint me even if I could put it together. Thanks a lot for your input.
Gene

 

I have another question. Will a 2.8 or 3.0 V6 exchange with my 2.9 okay or will I need some adapters? Maybe I should advertise for any V6 that is in good condition if they will all interchange with my 2.9. If anyone can give me some advice I would sure appreciate it.

 

World Products makes a nice set of aftermarket crack-free cylinder heads for the 2.9L, believe it or not:

http://www.worldcastings.com/prods_pages/052900.htm

If you haven't ran it much with the antifreeze in the oil, you might get by with the new heads and an oil change. Otherwise a rebuild might be in order.

If you're really wanting to do an engine swap, a 4.0L V6 will swap in...

 

Dang rusty beat me to it. He's spot on though. The 4.0L will drop right in and bolt right up, just going to need the computer to run it.

More power, very easy engine-swap, great low end grunt.

 

Thanks fellows for the help. 4.0 it is. That would be cheaper than rebuiding the 2.9 and probably better. Thanks again
Gene

 

I went to my local salvae yard to see about purchasing a 4.0L engine to replace the 2.9 in my "88 Ranger. The yard operator tells me he is pretty certain the 4.0 will not swap with the 2.9. Has anyone actually made the exchange and if so are any adapters necessary to make it work. Rusty or Ranger Pilot can you help me? Can anyone help me?

 

Zach
I got your message and tried to contact you but couldn't figure out how to get the message out. I appreciate all the engine swap information and have made a copy of everything you told me. I will get everything gathered up before we start the project. Thanks again, you have been a big help.
Gene

 

Glad to be of service. And for future reference, you hit "quote" then erase what pops up to reply.

Kinda weird/dumb... but I guess the best forums have their little strange bits!

 

Well the 2.3 would be easy, find the tranny w/ the 2.3 bell pattern, and get the starter because they are backwards from a 2.9 starter!..lol may want to unbolt the 2.9 motor mounts from the frame, and get the 2.3 ons and put them in to same some possible headaches. The 4.0 would be easier, you already have the tranny(as long as the torque converter will bolt to the 4.0 flexplate.) as long as you got an older 4.0