After throwing the idea around for a while, I decided that I wanted a unique and fast car that was completely unsuspecting. Rangers are essentially Mustangs in pickup form, and that's where I plan to start. Here are the plans:

Engine and Transmission Swap--> I plan on dropping in a Modular 4.6l V8 (performance improved model) mated to a Tremec T-56 transmission. Both are fairly easy to find, are cheap, and will be compatible given the right bellhousing and such. Despite the large size of the motor, I've heard that it fits into the engine bay without any modifications to the firewall, frame, or suspension.

From there, I plan on turbocharging the engine with a 76mm turbo and an air-to- water intercooler to produce some pretty decent power. This lovely addition will require new 39-pound fuel injectors, which will be able to handle a static fuel pressure of 70ish PSI. Other aftermarket parts necessary will be spark plugs, valvesprings, and a Diablo or SCT ECU tune. The goal is to achieve at least 425hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque at 8 psi of boost.

Rear Axle--> Obviously, the stock rear axle is going to have a hard time handling all of the power I would like to throw at it, but I don't feel like undergoing a swap to a 9" or Dana 44. So, here are the plans: replace the current 28-spline axles with 31-spline axles, install a Eaton Detroit Truetrac limited slip, install 4.10 gearing, replace the stock axle bearings with bigger ones, and replace the stock crush sleeve with a solid-pinion bearing spacer.

Do you guys have any other kickass ideas that relate to the drivetrain, suspension, and exhaust?

 

Sounds like you've got most everything covered... there's a few on here who have done the V8 swap but a 4.6 isn't nearly as common a swap as a 302.

 

im sure you already know this, but the 4.6 is a very wide block.. its gonna be a tight fit.

 

Yep, I do know that. If there's a will, there's a way!

 

good luck! im sure itll be a beast!

 

id go for a 9". if your gonna go to the trouble of stripping a 8.8, a 9" swap is easy. and the axles wouldnt be the problem area on the 8.8, those 28 splines arent as weak as everybody says they are.

dont use the aluminum driveshafts

grab a ron davis radiator kit

why 4.6? id go for the good ol 5.0 swap, or if ya want a challenge, the 3.5 or 2.0 ecoboost's

 

It's not the difficulty of the swap that I'm worried about, it's the sourcing and rebuilding of a 9" that I just would rather not deal with.

Radiator kit sounds good.

4.6's are a dime a dozen, and they are far more efficient than a 5.0. I would kill for any Ecoboost, but they are too new and too expensive as of right now. Bottom line: a 4.6 is dirt cheap, reliable, efficient, and has the ability to produce the kind of power I am looking for.

 

well with that kinda power, if your custom fabing a 4.6 into a truck, rebuild on a 9" should be a cakewalk.

btw, im gonna be in your area august. ive got family in Wausau. if your started on this ill have to check it out, ill have my prerunner with me

 

Why not just grab a 31 spline from an expo at the junkyard and rebuild it how you want it? That way you would have disc breaks. I dont know a whole lot about 8.8's but iv heard from a few ppl that the 31 splines will hold a decent amount of power.

 

I'll let you know if it's started by August.

 

That's kind of the plan. Explorer's came with 31-spline axles? Hmmm....I guess you do learn something new every single day.

 

Yes, and all level 2 rangers I believe, not positive on that, but mine has 31 spline from the factory. Would be easier to work with since rangers came with them, plus there is a good amount of aftermarket resource. http://broncograveyard.com/ <Would be a good place to start if your looking for 8.8 support......or even 9 inch if you decide to go that route.