I have a 97 xlt 2wd with a 2.3l 5spd manual. Obviously I have trouble pulling my boat. Can't really go over 60mph or so unless going downhill, takes forever to get up to speed and to slow down. I don't have the funds to get a brand new truck and was wanting to get a rough guess on what an engine swap would run and what else I would have to swap out(tranny, rear end, etc.)? Any help is appreciated!

 

Best bet IMO would be to swap a 4.0l SOHC into your truck from a Ranger or Explorer. Lots of 4.0l explorers or rangers around for parts. The 4.0l SOHC is a great improvement over the 4.0l OHV.

 

As I am completely new to mechanic work aside from basic maintenance, I am assuming that I would have to swap the radiator, tranny, and differential in order to go to the 4.0. Is this correct or am I wrong?

 

All my work has been done on the 4.0l OHV and SOHC engines and never touched the I4. If you would get the radiator, complete 4.0l dressed long block, trans, pcm and etc. from the donor vehicle you will know you will have most of the major parts you need to do the job. I think the 2wd I4 rangers had a lighter rear axle than the 4.0l 4X4 model but am not quite shure. You could pick up a decent 8.8 rear at a salvage yard for a decent price if need be.