I've got a 1998 2wd ranger, wanting to v8 swap it with a 1975 302/c4 (no d.e.q in my area) but really like the body style of the first generation rangers. I have been doing alot of research here and other sites. Everything I've read says the first gens are the way easier route for fitment. My question is do I buy a first generation and swap it, or keep the one I got and build it. I can buy a first gen cheap enough around here in my zip code. I am not new to engine swaps, done slant six to big block duster swaps, efi small block to big block swaps, so I am confident in my ability. But theres alot to be said for buying a kit online to fit the engine in and overcome the hurdles from learning by others failures and success. Any thoughts one way or the other?

 

If your 1998 Ranger is working OK then sure, sell it and buy a 1st gen

If its not worth selling because of engine or transmission issues then I would use it for the swap

Only difference is the fuel system only has one hose to engine bay in 1998 and up, older needed a return fuel line, so 2 fuel lines if using EFI

1993 and up are 2 inches wider than 1992 and older(1st gen) Rangers

1st gen just have less wiring in engine bay, simpler for doing swaps, unless wiring has been butchered by previous owners, lol

 

My 98 ranger is a dead roller. Transmission went out, engine has 250,000 miles on the original 4cyl. So it is ready for either a swap or parting out. And other than the damage done by the tree branch to the bed, its a clean straight donor for sure. I guess you are probably right, the one in the driveway is better than the one that costs more to get into. The wiring is all clean, straight and intact.

 

I would go with the 1998 then

The 2.5l SOHC 4cyl does have some resale value, people rebuild them while still driving their older 2.3l or 2.5l then swap in the rebuilt motor
The 2.5l SOHC was only made for 3 years, 1998-2000
Its the same block, pistons and head as the 2.3l SOHC but has a different crank and longer connecting rods for the extra .2 displacement, so a stroked 2.3l SOHC

 

Looks like I need to get it in my shop, pull the engine as the transmission is already out and start fitting the 302 in.

 

I did the '88 Ranger/5.0L Swap, the best part is on the '88 is the engine harness is a separate harness and can be removed from the engine bay making a cleaner swap.

I used a Stock Mustang harness that came with the engine, everything went together easily, but if you are going non computer engine, you shouldn't have to run too many wires to get things running.

There are mounts available all extra pieces are available separately, but there are Swap Kit available too.

If you can find a clean first Gen Ranger, I would buy it and do the swap while you still own the '98, after all the bugs are worked out of the 1st Gen, and things are going ok, then sell the '98 and recover some of your money.

Just a thought, the best Swap Kit for the 1st Gen Rangers is built by L&L Products, a little pricey but their quality is BY-FAR the best I have seen in the Swap Market.
Their kit comes with Engine Mounts, Oil Filter relocation adapters, Oil Pan and some of the best designed, heavy duty, header I have seen in the swap market, and they are built to fit.

Good Luck on your choices, I too think the 1st Gen Rangers are the best truck for swaps and lifts.