88 ranger 4x4
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 65
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From: sanford nc
88 ranger 4x4
I recently got a 88 ranger 4x4 with a 2.8 v-6 and i was wonder what are my engine option's in other words what can i put in place of the 2.8 with out having to change the tranny 2.9 -2.3 -3.0 ? the 2.8 is weak very weak 
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 761
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From: Southeast MI
You sure that's a 2.8L? Should be 2.9L or 4.0L. 2.8L would've be a swap. if that's not strong enough by a lot, you'll want a 4.0L OHV (up to ~1997?) or a V8 swap. Jamesduff.com has some good summaries on this, as well as swap kits.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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Yep, you should have an efi 2.9 in your 88. The 2.8, 2.9 and 4.0 are all in the same engine family. The 4.0 would be your next step up as it would be around 170 hp and over 200 pounds of torque. You will need the computer and wiring harness from the 4.0, but it will bolt up. There's alot of performance parts for the 4.0, like cams, heads and headers. A good source is super six motorsports. The next step up from that would be the 5.0 V-8, as Matt said, james duff is a good source for the V-8 conversion.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 761
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From: Southeast MI
The 2.9L will clearly state it's place in there with a tall upper intake manifold with the label cast in on top. That manifold is probably one of the chief advantages over the Vulcan 3.0L but at the same time, nothing else made will swap readily to it, not that you should care. A little port-matching & it would breathe a lot stronger. Still, you'll want something bigger if it's too weak by a lot for you.
