I have a ranger 3.0l '98 I bought some months ago. I would want to swap out the engine, and put in a v8 engine there.

What Toyota or Nissan engines would you recommend?
If I decide to go the non Asian engine swap, what American engine spec would be appropriate?

Remember, I'm going to use this truck as my first mobile mechanic truck.

Thanks guys, for the help.

 

What Ranger do you have the North American or the International?

These are both 1998's
The North American Ranger

Or the bigger International Ranger, that we know nothing about

 

I doubt any of the later model OHC V8s will fit, the Ford 302(5.0l) V8 was only 19" wide and barely fit in the engine bay, between heater box and steering shaft

So look up engine dimensions, WIDTH is the big thing with Rangers, also Height but you can do a body lift to get clearance, length for V8s is usually about 27" so can be done if you use an E-fan instead of mechanical fan, also better because you can mount the engine lower so mechanical fan wouldn't be in center of radiator.

In your neck of the woods, Lagos, I would think a turbo Diesel engine would be the more popular choice?

In any case you need the engine/trans, computer and wiring harness when changing engine size, and in most cases exhaust and driveshaft

 

mine is exactly the one in the first picture displayed above. The truck bed, is much longer though.
Thanks.

 

So what brands of diesel engines would you recommend pls?
Alot of people over here in Lagos, run away from American brands, but I want to be an exception.

 

Well I would imagine the US made vehicles are harder to get parts for in Africa

I wouldn't know the vehicle "models" available to you in Lagos
You want Rear Wheel Drive, 4cyl turbo diesel that has a good local parts supply

Chassis parts(Ranger) don't wear out that often(well brakes do), but drive train parts do need servicing so look for something there are lots of and that's been around for 10+ years, so parts may be found on wrecking yards
The 1998 V6 Ranger will have an 8.8" rear axle so it will be fine with pretty much any engine under 350HP

If you can find an older Ford 302 V8 in a car it will fit, in engine bay, finding a 1996-2001 V8 Ford Explorer is what most used for the V8 swap here, but like you said most don't like the US vehicles so they may be scarce
Ford Cars on the other hand came with the 302s for many many years, carb and distributor versions

 

is the ford 302, or the older models of explorer's you mentioned a direct fit into the engine bay, without too much of a modifications?
Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

Yes, its a snug fit but does fit
You have to move the oil filter, remote mount it

Look here at the V8 conversion articles, loads of info: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...versions.shtml