1986 4x4, 2.9L to 3.0L Questions
 

Hey all, forgive me if this isn't in the right area but I have some questions. I've done quite a bit of research and have talked to friends/family with experience and what I've found so far is pretty inconclusive and contradictory. I have a 2001 Ford Ranger XL with the 3.0L V6 in it, it has a blown transmission and was a neglected work truck most of its life, with one of its only redeeming qualities being the 3.0L stuck inside it. I also have a 1986 Ford Ranger XLT that had the 2.9L V6 in it, and a 5 speed manual. Shortly before my '86 blew up, I had done a bunch of work to the transmission.

Now, on to the questions-- seeing as I have two halves of a whole vehicle, and the 86 is in otherwise perfect condition save for its blown motor, I want to see if it's possible to do a relatively straight-forward 3.0L swap. Does anyone here have similar experiences with such a swap? From everything I've read, the 3.0L V6 'Vulcan' was introduced in 1986, and I've heard it was based off of the 2.9L and doesn't have too many differences. However, I've read from others that the transmission doesn't line up and the 4.0L is more of a direct swap with the 2.9L. As much as I'd like to put a 4.0 in the '86, a 3.0 is what I have.

If anyone has any experience with this sort of thing, or done something similar themselves, or just has information, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could share some wisdom.

Welcome to the forum

Should be no conflicting information

The 3.0l Vulcan was a "from scratch" design, not based on any previous Ford engine or any other makers engine
It will, for sure, not bolt up to a 2.9l transmission

2001 3.0l Computer is also OBD2 so requires several more sensors that will be available in a 1986 Ranger
1986 2.9l computer can't run a 3.0l engine, on paper, although it would be interesting to test that out, 1991-1994 3.0l did use a distributor with TFI spark system(same as 1986 2.9l), so that's available, and only an extra 0.1L fuel difference which should be OK, "should be" being the key phrase

Sell the 3.0l and get a 2.9l or 4.0l OHV engine for the 1986 Ranger, 2.9l being the better choice since computer and wiring can stay as is
2.9l and 4.0l OHV share the same block so 2.9l trans will bolt up to the 4.0l OHV
But you will need a 1990 to 1994 4.0l Computer matching manual trans or automatic, computers are different based on transmission type
If 1986 is automatic the 1990-1994 computer will set a code because its missing a solenoid used in 1988-1994 A4LD transmissions

Ahh, I see. Thanks for all the info, I guess I should be keeping my eye out for a 4.0 then. Does both the engine and the computer need to be out of a 90-94, or can the OHV motor be from any year?

4.0l OHV Motor can be 1990-1997, 1998-2000 had smaller exhaust ports so older computers can cause burnt exhaust valves, long term
4.0l OHV Computer 1990-1994, 60-wire OBD1, 1995 was the start of OBD2 104-wire computers

Computer for any year must match transmission you will use, auto or manual
2WD or 4x4 doesn't matter to engine computer until 2001 and up