V8 Ranger??
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,373
Likes: 46
From: Palm Bay, Florida
V8 Ranger??
I have a very rusty 1978 F150 SuperCab with a great, great 302/C4 running gear that I'd like to put into a simple 2wd earlier Ranger SuperCab, without all of the horse*&%$ that everyone seems to think is nessessary.
Has anyone on here done a V8 conversion on an earlier Ranger on a very tight budget??
Has anyone on here done a V8 conversion on an earlier Ranger on a very tight budget??
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 1
From: The Star-Club, Hamburg
It can be done, I've seen it. I know of one guy who put a blown 429 in an early Ranger and made a drag racer out of it. It was a pretty tight fit, but he made it work. I also remember reading some articles about transplanting a 302 into a 4x4 Ranger. As I recall it was'nt overly difficult, but it's been quite a few years since I read that. With a 4x2, you might have to worry about changing front springs to deal with the extra weight. Try doing a Google search on "V8 Ford Rangers" and see if that helps.
I think what you're thinking of can be done, and is'nt a bad idea, really. Hope you can manage to get some pics of the process if you decide to go ahead with it.
I think what you're thinking of can be done, and is'nt a bad idea, really. Hope you can manage to get some pics of the process if you decide to go ahead with it.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Reno nv
summitracing catalog has a q&A page about the very question with part #'s for the swap.
I did a 302 into a pinto, and while it wasn't hard, it was annoying for all the crud you need but forgot to put on
I did a 302 into a pinto, and while it wasn't hard, it was annoying for all the crud you need but forgot to put on
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 487
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From: scottsdale
theres a site that talks about this hold on let me find it
www.jamesduff.com read here some where on the site talks about it uhh cant be buggered to find it tbh but look around on the site
www.jamesduff.com read here some where on the site talks about it uhh cant be buggered to find it tbh but look around on the site
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
I've seen a 1st gen 302 ranger in person, on the internet I've seen people stuff 351, 460s, 4.6 modulars, etc.. into rangers as well.
I think there even may be a computer or two that sells the engine mounts.
I think there even may be a computer or two that sells the engine mounts.
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 537
Likes: 17
From: Linden USA
I have done a couple over the years with the first being what I would say was more of a budget program, since kits were not available. First one was in 1988 into a 1984 Bronco II. This one was a 4x4 but the other was a 2 wheel drive 89 Ranger. The 4x4 was easier because of the body lift, but you might have to fold over the tunnel lip where the floor board is spot welded to the cowl. You will need a rear sump oil pan, no getting around that. You will also need a remove filter relocation kit with hoses as there is no room for the oil filter. The heater box needs to be reworked and it is much easier if you don't have AC. After it is in, you can figure up a good radiator. Mainly just a matter of of getting started and doing it. I used an aftermarket electric fuel pump also.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
351W in a Ranger
I have a very rusty 1978 F150 SuperCab with a great, great 302/C4 running gear that I'd like to put into a simple 2wd earlier Ranger SuperCab, without all of the horse*&%$ that everyone seems to think is nessessary.
Has anyone on here done a V8 conversion on an earlier Ranger on a very tight budget??
Has anyone on here done a V8 conversion on an earlier Ranger on a very tight budget??
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Yes it can be done on a budget and mostly with stock parts,I have a 84 with a 347,C-4 and a 9".It has been lowered 3" in front and 2" in back, the rest of the suspension is stock and handles the weight of the V-8 fine. It drives fine 'cept for the launches lot of wheel spin even went to 3.08 gears and retarded the timeing some.Helped some at least I can drive on wet pavement now.But getting back to your questions; non-stock parts.....headers,motor mounts(made them out of 1/4 plate) and you will need a remote oil filter kit. Stock parts.........motor(of course!)trans(late 70s..early 80s LtD)drive shaft from same car,9" from 78 Versailles. Radiator from a Ford truck don't remember what year.
Its not a hard swap just plan on it taking you longer than you think it will.
Check out this web site [IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]www. rangerpowersports.com
Good luck!
Kenny
Lost your job yet?
Keep buying foreign.
Its not a hard swap just plan on it taking you longer than you think it will.
Check out this web site [IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]www. rangerpowersports.com
Good luck!
Kenny
Lost your job yet?
Keep buying foreign.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Yes it can be done on a budget and mostly with stock parts,I have a 84 with a 347,C-4 and a 9".It has been lowered 3" in front and 2" in back, the rest of the suspension is stock and handles the weight of the V-8 fine. It drives fine 'cept for the launches lot of wheel spin even went to 3.08 gears and retarded the timeing some.Helped some at least I can drive on wet pavement now.But getting back to your questions; non-stock parts.....headers,motor mounts(made them out of 1/4 plate) and you will need a remote oil filter kit. Stock parts.........motor(of course!)trans(late 70s..early 80s LtD)drive shaft from same car,9" from 78 Versailles. Radiator from a Ford truck don't remember what year.
Its not a hard swap just plan on it taking you longer than you think it will.
Check out this web site [IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]www. rangerpowersports.com
Good luck!
Kenny
Lost your job yet?
Keep buying foreign.
Its not a hard swap just plan on it taking you longer than you think it will.
Check out this web site [IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]www. rangerpowersports.com
Good luck!
Kenny
Lost your job yet?
Keep buying foreign.
Sorry about that!
Kenny
Lost your job yet?
Keep buying foreign.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
I have built a Gen 1 Ranger w/ a 302/c6 combo, from what was a 2.0 4cyl 5spd shortbed truck. It was 10 yrs ago, but the friends truck is still a daily driver and runs INCREDIBLE!, I can probably answer some of the questions.