Hello! I have a 1985 Ranger 4X4 that currently has a 2.8 V6 in it. I bought the truck a little over a year ago. It has sat awhile. I've thought about pulling the motor and going through everything to get it running. Especially all the fluids were definitely not the correct color. I've though about possibly replacing the motor with a 4.0. However, I was wondering if anyone may have done that swap and if so, how is it and what would need top be done for the conversion. If this wouldn't be a good engine swap, could someone give me some recommendations? Or would it just be best to have the motor currently in it redone and stay with the original carb set up? Thank you in advance.

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, the 4.0l block will bolt to the 2.8l transmission/drive train, but you also need the 4.0l computer and engine wiring harness, 1990-1994 models only
So might be hard to find
And the 2.8l transmission will probably not last too long with the 4.0l power, it was marginal with the 2.8l, so if you can get a 1990-1994 4.0l 4x4 ranger that was rolled or rusted out then you could swap whole drive train
You can't easily convert 2wd trans to 4wd, so you need a 4wd trans
There is no inexpensive carb/spark conversion for the 4.0l

That being said you can run 302(5.0l) V8 with carb and distributor, lots out there, so minimal wiring
You would need a V8 trans and transfer case and drive shaft changes
If would be more expensive, but you end up with a V8 Ranger, something never made by Ford

 

Thanks! I did find a rolled Ranger with a 3.0. Would that motor fit/work?

 

No, 3.0l Vulcan has different transmission bolt pattern, so you would need engine AND transmission and computer with wiring harness
And quite frankly...........the 3.0l Vulcan was a reliable engine but most complain of low power, so IMO not a good swap for the work involved

 

Would a 4.0 from a 02 Explorer with tran and everything be able to swap out the 2.8 on the 85 Ranger?

 

No

The 2002 Explorer used HEC digital dash, first year for it, and first year of 3rd generation explorer, 2nd generation explorers were closer to Rangers
The HEC and engine computer are "married" so one will not work without the other, its part of Fords PATS(passive anti-theft system) and anti-odometer tampering

So a swap would require engine wiring harness AND full cab wiring harness swap, and 2002 HEC cluster wouldn't fit in Ranger so you would have to figure a way to get it in
Also the SJB, body computer would have to come over, I believe
It would be a wiring nightmare, lol

Anything is possible, but this is not practical

 

I have an 85 Ranger with a 2.8. I need a carburetor and distributor. I found a 87 that has a four cylinder in it. Any chance, I’ve seen yes but. It reliable source, but will the carburetor and distributor off the 87 four cylinder work on my 85 six cylinder?

 

No, they won't work