Replace 2.9 with 4.0
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Oklahoma
Replace 2.9 with 4.0
I've got an '88 Ranger Supercab with the 2.9 and 5-speed. Is the 4.0 a difficult swap? Which year engines are the best to look for? Will the EFI for the 2.9 work on the 4.0? Thanks for the info.
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Replace 2.9 with 4.0
I'm not quite sure how hard it would be but I know it be cheaper to just buy a Ranger with the 4.0L already in it. I'm sure you know this and just don't want to sell your truck or be happy with another one, right?
Good Luck!
MY BABY:
http://www.geocities.com/red90ranger/mypage.html
Good Luck!
MY BABY:
http://www.geocities.com/red90ranger/mypage.html
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Oklahoma
Replace 2.9 with 4.0
I have several reasons to keep this truck. I'm in Oklahoma and this is truck country. It definitely would NOT be cheaper to just buy a Ranger with a 4.0L in it that is in anywhere close to the same condition as my '88 is. I also don't like the styling of the newer Rangers. I thought that the 4.0L would be a fairly simple swap since it's in the same family as the 2.9L and maybe I could keep the 5-speed that way. My other option is to install the 289 and C4 I already have sitting in my shed.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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Replace 2.9 with 4.0
There is going to alot involved with the swap, The motor may bolt right in but you might have to change your rearend(maybee) to a 8.8 from a 7.5 to accomidate your increased power. You will have to get a complete 4.0L motor wiring harness and computer for a correct install. Do you plan on doing the work yourself? Have you thought of just rebuilding the hell out of your 2.9? I have heard alot of posotive things about those 2.9 motors! You can get alot of increased HP from a good rebuild. It can be done, just make sure you have patiance and extra money for any problems that may come about along the way. Try http://www.advanceadapters.com see if they have instructions and a product list for that particular application.
Your truck would be Bad *** if you do this.
P.S. Before you settle on a 4.0L swap,have you checked the cost of a 302 V-8 swap? Those are more commen and might be easier and cost the same.
Your truck would be Bad *** if you do this.
P.S. Before you settle on a 4.0L swap,have you checked the cost of a 302 V-8 swap? Those are more commen and might be easier and cost the same.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
Replace 2.9 with 4.0
I agree with the 88 vs. 90s styling. Especially if you have to buy a headlamp assembly and find forking over $80+ for a piece of plastic painful for a aero type 90s 
Your best bet would be finding a 1990 Explorer 4.0/5 spd, swap the drivetrain out with the computer. You can even use the front Dana 35. Then sell the parts left over from both vehicles.
You can find a site somewhere that details the 4.0 into the truck using the original 2.9L computer, but, its splice city. Much cleaner and more reliable to use the original harness and sensors.
Your best bet would be finding a 1990 Explorer 4.0/5 spd, swap the drivetrain out with the computer. You can even use the front Dana 35. Then sell the parts left over from both vehicles.
You can find a site somewhere that details the 4.0 into the truck using the original 2.9L computer, but, its splice city. Much cleaner and more reliable to use the original harness and sensors.
New User
Joined: Jul 2002
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Replace 2.9 with 4.0
The 4.0 swap mechanically is bolt in. You don't have to upgrade your rear axle. If it's a manual, the FM146 will work fine. Use the 4.0 flywheel and clutch. The exhaust bolts up to the manifolds. Starter has to be off of a 4.0 (manual and auto are different).
The fuel lines take some rigging.
The electrical can be done by keeping the existing harness in the body, and keeping the 4.0 harness on the engine. You have to make about 20 to 30 splices. Takes about a day if you take your time. Or you can swap out the Explorer dashboard, and all the electrical from there forward.
The 2.9 is a good little motor, but you can't add much to it in the way of performance mods.
A 302 swap will cost you more time and money.
The fuel lines take some rigging.
The electrical can be done by keeping the existing harness in the body, and keeping the 4.0 harness on the engine. You have to make about 20 to 30 splices. Takes about a day if you take your time. Or you can swap out the Explorer dashboard, and all the electrical from there forward.
The 2.9 is a good little motor, but you can't add much to it in the way of performance mods.
A 302 swap will cost you more time and money.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: olympia
Replace 2.9 with 4.0
i have done it-there actually was less the 10 splices nessesary for the harness.get the 4.0 motor mounts,and you will have to redrill one of the "peg" holes.yes,fuel lines where a pain.auto/maual starters are different,so make sure yours matches.also,if you have a manual and get a auto ecu,it will trow codes-thats what i did,ended up wiring in some resistors to simuulate functioning solenoids,wich took care of that.use 4.0 flywheel and clutch,will work just fine.been a while,cant remeber what else...happy to help if i can,thou
david
david
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