83 Ranger V8/5spd options
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 189
Likes: 2
83 Ranger V8/5spd options
My son just picked up an 83 Ranger SB RC with the 2.8 V6 and 4spd. The truck is totally straight and rust free but he wants to replace the current drivetrain with a V8/5spd/8.8 combo for better driveability. What options are out there? Seems like everywhere we've searched we've mostly seen Explorer V8/Auto recommendations. Sorry if my searches missed something obvious.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
A member named Graywolf is doing just that. Search out his build thread and get an idea just what yer in for. He is going with a 351W. Not sure on his tranny choice. But squeezing the engine in is what it's all about anyway.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
My son just picked up an 83 Ranger SB RC with the 2.8 V6 and 4spd. The truck is totally straight and rust free but he wants to replace the current drivetrain with a V8/5spd/8.8 combo for better driveability. What options are out there? Seems like everywhere we've searched we've mostly seen Explorer V8/Auto recommendations. Sorry if my searches missed something obvious.
The "easiest" v8 to put in a ranger would be a 5.0/302 i guess, however this is still no easy task.
Another option is the 5.8/351W
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
It's not hard to put a 302 in older Ranger, done 5 of em'.
Old is good, no EFI, no computers, just simple dura-spark ign. and carbs.
If you can restrain your right foot and not beat on it, the stock 4spd will hold up, and Advanced Adapters sells a SBF to TK-4/5(your trans.)
You will be shopping for motor mounts, radiator, remote oil filter, electric fuel pump, and special headers for the exhaust, all sold by Summit and James Duff co.
If you can find a good 302 cheap enough, you can keep the entire project under $1,500
Old is good, no EFI, no computers, just simple dura-spark ign. and carbs.
If you can restrain your right foot and not beat on it, the stock 4spd will hold up, and Advanced Adapters sells a SBF to TK-4/5(your trans.)
You will be shopping for motor mounts, radiator, remote oil filter, electric fuel pump, and special headers for the exhaust, all sold by Summit and James Duff co.
If you can find a good 302 cheap enough, you can keep the entire project under $1,500
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 189
Likes: 2
It's not hard to put a 302 in older Ranger, done 5 of em'.
Old is good, no EFI, no computers, just simple dura-spark ign. and carbs.
If you can restrain your right foot and not beat on it, the stock 4spd will hold up, and Advanced Adapters sells a SBF to TK-4/5(your trans.)
You will be shopping for motor mounts, radiator, remote oil filter, electric fuel pump, and special headers for the exhaust, all sold by Summit and James Duff co.
If you can find a good 302 cheap enough, you can keep the entire project under $1,500
Old is good, no EFI, no computers, just simple dura-spark ign. and carbs.
If you can restrain your right foot and not beat on it, the stock 4spd will hold up, and Advanced Adapters sells a SBF to TK-4/5(your trans.)
You will be shopping for motor mounts, radiator, remote oil filter, electric fuel pump, and special headers for the exhaust, all sold by Summit and James Duff co.
If you can find a good 302 cheap enough, you can keep the entire project under $1,500
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
But be prepared for driveshaft modification, cross member and trans mount work.
The stock V-6 7.5" rear axle will hold up surprisingly well.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 1
From: Yountville Ca
[QUOTE=cschannuth;13388491]My son just
Not sure where you're located..probably no where near..But I was at the Windsor Calif pic-n-pull the other day chatting with a ranger guy who had a 5.0 with a Tremec 5 speed in his 85? Ranger.
Said there was a professional guy in Santa Rosa(Calif) pretty much making a living at his shop doing this conversion on a daily basis.
Apparantly the guy is actively promoting his "conversion" business at car events etc. If I get more info I'll let you know, but you might search the web to see if he has a presence and related builder info.
Goodluck
Not sure where you're located..probably no where near..But I was at the Windsor Calif pic-n-pull the other day chatting with a ranger guy who had a 5.0 with a Tremec 5 speed in his 85? Ranger.
Said there was a professional guy in Santa Rosa(Calif) pretty much making a living at his shop doing this conversion on a daily basis.
Apparantly the guy is actively promoting his "conversion" business at car events etc. If I get more info I'll let you know, but you might search the web to see if he has a presence and related builder info.
Goodluck
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jdhudall
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
2
Sep 6, 2004 12:46 AM
