Well figured I start a build thread for my 01 Ranger. It's a 3.0 V6/Auto, 2wd short bed.

My plan is to go with a 302 or 351w and not sure of trans yet. Also not sure if I should go carb or EFI. From what I've read so far it doesn't look like many people do V8 swaps in 01 and up rangers. I see they make a V8 conversion kits but none for 98 and up? Can I use V8 engine mounts from an Explorer? what would be a good trans to go with?

Thanks in advance for the help! :beer: Here are some pictures of the truck and how it looked when I bought it... :icon_cheers:

 

Sweet. Can't wait for the progress!

 

If you find a 2001 Explorer with a 302 most of it should swap right in.

 

If I didn't pick up a V8 explorer for a donor would I buy engine mounts for the same year V8 explorer? What needs to be done to the frame to use the V8 engine mounts on a ranger?

 

Assuming you are doing a 302 then i would think so. Someone would have to confirm that though. I am not certain. 302s are just little motors. Cant be too bad.

 

99-01 explorer would be the best years for your 2001. The explorers engine mounts will bolt right into the rangers frame. Depending on your state, If you swap to carb you might have a really hard time getting it inspected. I think you should go 351w and do a step by step write up for me:)

 

Hey, a 330 isnt all that big either :p ... this is my jealousy talking.

 

If I go carbed it will most certainly be a 351w with a Ford C4 auto but they are both getting really hard to find anymore. I built a street rod using a 351w/C4 and it took me a long time to find them.

Where I live (the sticks LOL) they don't test emissions plus I'm going to run high flow cats anyways. I did this on a mustang and didn't have an issue. I still may go EFI just depends if I find a good donor.

 

This is today's project....Cleaning this pig up! LOL Then pulling off the truck cap and then breaking out the pressure washer.

 

lol, im just messing with you.

 

Haha I know. I agree though a 302 is pretty small.

 

The stock 5.0 Explorer mounts and engine plates will work in 98+ torsion bar Rangers only. This includes 98+ 4x4, Trailhead, Edge and the newer Sport model that replaced the Edge.

On the other hand, 98+ 2WD coil spring frames (like the OP's) will not accept the Explorer engine mount setup. Custom plates would need to be fabbed.

 

No body sells or makes these plates? Is there a template available? So with these plates I could use explorer V8 engine mounts?

 

Check with member strada shop on RPS.

5.0 coil spring motor mounts.

 

Thank you! Sent him a PM. Hope he still makes them.

 

Strata Shop hasn't been on RPS for over a month now. I found prints that Brian designed so I'll try and have a machine shop do them if I can find one around here.

 

I have the plates that strada made my motor had to be raised 3/4 inch to clear the steering rack not to difficult though an explorer efi 5.0 is def your easiest bet most everything is plug and play for 98-00 don't know a whole lot about the 01+ models

 

Unfortunately Strada isn't making the plates anymore.

 

Yes I know price to make them went up so he got away from it but when he did great product

 

Anyone have the measurements ?

Maybe a drawing ?

 

 

Strada is selling plates again he has some so if your in need still look him up