i was wondering if anyone knows of what kind of oil pan to use. and if i have to change the front clip.

 

I am "in the process" (been so for more than 2 years now...) of swapping a 351W into my 1999 4x4. I had to make a custom oil pan to fit the 351W into my truck. But I have a 4x4, so was a little tighter than some. Over on RPS, tony is also doing a 351W swap in his 2000. I can't remember for sure, but I think he is using a mustang pan.

Toughest part will be exhaust. I had to make custom headers for mine. To get big power and move the air of a 351 or bigger, you really need to anyhow.

Check with tony and see what he is doing for the pan and headers. It has been a long time since I have discussed this with him.

Oilpan:
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...t=351w+oil+pan

Headers:
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...t=351w+headers

 

I upgraded my 5.0 to 5.8 in my '86 Ranger XLT 2WD. The two hardest aspects of fitting the Windsor motor in was oil pan and exhaust. I used a rear sump pan from a van but had problems with steering drag link contacting the shallow front sump of the oil pan until I found a "dropped" pitman arm from Ford for the steering gearbox which fixed that clearance problem. Exhaust was another story. Tried multiple exhaust manifolds, shorty headers, etc. but to no avail due to interference with the steering column shaft. Ended up buying Hedman 5.0 engine swap headers (which still won't work unmodified) and cut off both front primary tubes (#5 & #6) and fabbed custom tubes to work around inside shaft and block and reconnect to collector. Actually, it turned out OK. Another aspect is additional clearance needed at heater air box if working on an older Ranger such as mine.
If your interested, I could take some pictures and post them.

 

The pre and post 1998 rangers are very different and most detail on the older trucks does not apply to the new ones.

 

Thanks for the info guys. This was one of my main concerns. I am planning on doing a swap and have been searching these tech threads, buying and back ordering parts. I have a 2WD instead of 4WD. That won't be too much of a problem(or at least I hope it won't). The other concern is with the turbochargers. It looks like I may have to use a squire turbo kit (universal) for the swap. But no one really addressed in detail the steering box and linkage set up needed for the swap. Thanks guys this info was greatly appreciated and thensome.

 

I think you'll be happy with the room you'll have to work with in your '99 2wd. The 2wd measures 4" wider between the upper control arm mounts than a 4x4. It's also easy to move the steering shaft over a couple inches if needed. If you want I can get you picks of what's involved.