Upgrade from the 4-banger!
 

I've had a 2003 2.3l v4 since it was new off the lot, but haven't driven it actively for the last few years as I've been out of the country.

It's been kept up nicely, but now that I'm back I'd really like to swap out the engine. I'm too attached to the truck to get a new one, so I'd like to upgrade it a little bit. I'm not trying to do anything over the top, so I figured the 4.0 would be a nice change.
I don't know a lot about major work like this, and wasn't planning on doing it myself. I wanted to know if the new motor has the same bolt pattern? And is it any taller? Would it be an extremely extensive job for the motor swap?
And yes, I'm planning on swapping out most of the associated engine components, as well.

Thanks!

If I were you I would do a 5.0. If your going to do all that work (or have someone else do it) you might as well go 5.0.

Also the bolt pattern won't change from and engine swap. It won't affect the wheels. And it shouldn't be any taller. Neither the 5.0 or the 4.0. It will sit right in the engine bay.

There is a lot of info on here about swaps. Just do a search and read up on them.

i think he probably meant bolt pattern like for bellhousing, or motor mounts?

also fyi the 4 cylinder is not a V its a straight 4, or I4 if you prefer that nomenclature (big word!)

HAHA V4
https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1316710675

Hence the need to ask questions, as I clearly have little grasp of what's going on. But yeah, I was referring to the motor mounts. I understand that there would be a lack of plug-and-play ease in most cases, requiring some kind of modification, correct?
I'm honestly just looking for some good suggestions on what to do.

I'd suggest getting someone who knows more about it or has done engine swaps before to help you out, preferably a friend a friend you can learn from rather than someone who will charge you tons.

That or do a lot of reading on here to understand what you're getting into because there is a lot to comsider

it would be more plug and play that you would think. if you get a truck from the same year as yours, should be a pretty direct swap. i would find a donor that has been wrecked so you have everything, even if you have to replace things like the radiator, fan, etc. then there should be anything major to go. motor mounts will drop right in, you will need the trans to go with the new motor, probably a good idea to upgrade the rear axle, and you should only need the engine bay harness. it should plug right into the firewall connections. maybe the steering column/keys to get around the PATS.

Oh yeah? I'll have to start looking for a good donor, then. Try hitting a few junkyards, I guess.