I have an 87 ranger 4x4 automatic. The engine's a little rough. What are my options as far as changing the engine. Would a 302 bold right up? I've seen some of those done. What would be involved with this?
Would an engine out of a later model work, say a 4.0 or something like that?

Thanks

 

A 302 swap is pretty involved. Search this forum for 302 swaps. You have to change motor mounts, transmission, exhaust etc. There is not a good 4x4 compatible auto transmission that mates to a 302 except maybe 98-2000 Explorer V8 AOD and that uses a one speed transfer case and torque on demand AWD. An early 4.0L bolts to the trans, but the 2.9L trans is not beefed up like the 4.0L trans, so you might want to swap in a 90-94 4.0L 4x4 trans. You will still have swap problems with the electronics as the 4.0L is a whole different animal from a 2.9L wiring in your truck. I would go for a rebuild of what you have or possibly a trade up to a newer model. IMHO.