This is the first forum I have ever joined and I am looking forward to be able to communicate with people with the same interest that I have. I always have questions about my truck and I try to do every thing my self. I am pretty good with a wrench but some times I need somebody to shine the light for me to get out of trouble. I own an 05 Ranger with a 3.0 and 5 speed manual transmission. Is it at all possible to put a 4.8 in my Ranger.

 

Welcome to the forum.

4.8?

Ford has the 4.6l SOHC and DOHC, and 5.4L modular V8s

The Ford 302/5.0l V8 is a popular swap into a Ranger
It is 19" wide, 21" tall and 27" long
And it is a tight squeeze between steer shaft and heater box

4.6l is 29" wide.........extra 5" on each side would be needed.
It could be done, but lots of custom work would be needed.
People have put Ford 460s into Rangers, not as is but after much fabrication.

Chevy has the LS series which includes the 4.8l engine, it is 25" wide, so might just work, modified heater box, maybe some steering work.

In my opinion the 5.0l swap would give you more potential power than the 4.6l or 4.8l(chevy).
You can't swing a dead cat without hitting some kind of power boosting upgrade for a 302/5.0l, lol.
You could build a sweet 5.0l and drop it in for less cost and trouble than a 4.6l.