Q: I own an old V6 Ford Ranger that I want to swap a V8 into. But I can’t decide which engine to use—the 289, 302, or 351W.
Which engine will fit best? I’m leaning toward the 351W, but I’ve heard its taller height interferes with the master cylinder. Which transmission should I use?
A: The Ford 302 is the most common engine swapped into a Ranger. Yes, there are several clearance issues with a swapping a 351W into a Ranger—most notably master cylinder, oil pan, and exhaust routing issues.
Whichever engine you end up using, we suggest using a C-4 transmission. Automatic transmissions are far easier to swap than manuals because you don’t have the added hassle of modifying the clutch and shifter linkage.
We will list some parts that will make the V8 swap a little easier for you:
- Trans-Dapt Motor Mount Kit (TRD-9716) or Trans-Dapt Motor Mount Kit with Mounting Pads (TRD-9736)
- Trans-Dapt Oil Filter Relocation Kit (TRD-1113)
- Hedman Engine Swap Hedders (HED-89500)
As with any engine swap, some welding and fabrication is required.
We also recommend upgrading the rear axle. The stock 7.5-inch rear end is fine for stock, but a healthy V8 and gobs of traction will cause sudden radical disassembly all over the pavement.
Ive got a 87 ranger with a 5.9 amc swap it currently has 4″edelbrock headers hard as hell to find
1.7 full roller rockers ported stock heads decked to 0 block has been decked has mahle diamond head postons billet aluminum crank H beam rods and a edelbrock high rise dual plane intake and a edelbrock 1050 carb with 3 fuel pumps truckhas a bullet proofed 9 1/4 dodge rear end 3.06 gears top speed of 180mph and to top it of it has 736hp 912fpds torque
Shut the fuck up everything you just said is a lie lmao. Like anyone believes that
horse in a coyote!
I have an 88 ranger with a 302 and a c4 transmission.. and a 1994 with a Chevy 350 and a th350 trans. Both trucks are extended cabs with 8.8 rears. They both are fun. But The Chevy swap is cheaper at least mine was
Even though I’m really a GM guy, I’ve done a few Ranger swaps over the years, including a 351W into a ’90 4×4. Trust me when I tell you that a 351W into ANY Ranger is a HUGE pain in the butt! My current project is a 94 2wd that’s getting a 302/C4, along with an 8.8″ rear from an early 90s Explorer. Of course the spring perches on the Explorer rear will have to be relocated to the top of the axle tubes, but, that’s no big deal.
I saw that Summit listed all of the individual part #s for a Ranger swap, however, you should just buy the Trans-Dapt “swap in a box” # 97361. It includes all the individual parts in one kit. Summit has it for under $500. The only part of the kit that I’m not using is the oil pan. I have 2 reasons for this…1) I don’t want a chrome oil pan, 2) more importantly, I want a 5 qt pan. I’ll be using the Trans-Dapt plain steel 5 qt pan and painting it when I finish the engine.
F.Y.I. the part # for the Trans-Dapt plain steel 5 qt oil pan is # 7572. Summit has it for $110.
im planning for a similar project. im doing 5.0/5spd in a 2wd 92 ranger. I want to know what trans I should use. i want to get the shifter location as close to factory as i can. will a t5 out of a mustang work out nice or do i need the trans they put in the f150s?
I’m getting ready to do a 5.0 swap in my 92 reg cab 2wd ranger. I’m going with a 2002 sport Trac 8.8 inch rear with 3.73 gears and rear disc brakes. Will link with a M5R2(5 speed manual), more labor intensive but I’m looking for good hwy mileage that you just won’t get with the C4 auto. I’ll be using the swap in a box from Jegs.