Hi, I’m sure this question is on here somewhere but i’m new to the ranger world and can’t seem to find exactly what I need. I recently bought a 1987 ford ranger 4x4 with auto transmission. I want to restore the entire thing. I took the bed and cab off and started cleaning the frame. In the process the old wiring harness and plugs got damaged due to being stuck together and brittle. I can’t find a new wiring harness anywhere and have seen a good bit of info about a 4.0 swap. So I have two questions. one is does anyone make a new wiring harness for the 2.9 or can I buy a new 4.0 with a new harness. If I go with the 4.0 what transmission do I need and will it use the stock shifter that I have in the in the floor for both shifting into gear and 4x4.

 

No to all, as far as wiring

You will want to get a 1987 Ford Ranger EVTM, like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/274445401145
Has all the wiring and vacuum hose diagrams needed for a restoration

May find less brittle wiring harnesses "up North", less hot days to dry stuff out

Good site to check for used parts: https://www.car-part.com/
They list wiring harness's , Body, Dash and Engine
You need 1986-1988 2.9l automatic engine harness
But 1986-1992 2.9l 4WD dash and body harness should be OK, need to match Options as well, i.e. power windows, door locks, cruise, ect......

If you want 4.0l with automatic then you need a 1990-1994 4.0l engine/trans 4WD with its computer and wiring harness
Yes, you can use the Floor shifter as the 1990-1994 4.0l used the same A4LD automatic
Also need some exhaust parts and bigger radiator

2.9l Dash and body wiring can be used with 4.0l swap, but not the computer and engine wiring

 

Thank you that was very helpful. I haven’t been able to find a wiring harness but will keep looking. I did order the repair manual. I called a few places about the transmission and they ask for the tag #. I took a picture of all of the numbers on the transmission.
P-86GT-7006-AAR and 90GT-7A040-CAI VI/2 B

do these mean anything to you on which one I should order?

 

1987 Ranger 2.9l 4x4 will have the A4LD 4-speed automatic