Actually I think I can pull this off but want some input before I start. Here's what I have available to me, 1988 Ranger 4X4 ex cab for nearly nothing (bad trans). 1988 F150 4X4(cheap, probably could sell enough left overs to pay for the truck. How much of the F150 drivetrain can I use? Would it be best (and will it work) to fit the entire drivetrain from the F150 into the Ranger, or just use the engine and do a swap like most people do? Just getting into the planning stages and need to get an answer to the owner of the f150 this week.
Thanks for any help.
Tim.

 

What engine does the F150 have?

 

just mount the ranger body on the f150 frame.

 

I gotta ask bout the screen name.......are you in the USAF, been in the USAF, or whats with the WINGNUT5150?????

 

Edge- It's a 5.0 roller engine from a Mustang

Red- The frame is bent on the F-150.
94- Never been in the USAF, I just kinda liked the name Wingnut and it's been taken on most forums so I added the 5150. I've been told some of my ideas are a little insane so it fits. Is there a hidden USAF meaning behind that name? Also I just noticed your location, my sister used to live in Etowah. I'm originally from the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area.

 

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YES: Generally civilians around Air Force bases call the USAF personnel "Wingnuts", as in my experience while in, it seems that most civilians think everybody in the AF flies a plane", hence the nickname "Wingnut".

Ya, I deliver to Etowah pretty regular for work, and it's only 10 miles from where I live.

 

Well, the original question still hasn't been answered. Is this a viable plan to install a V8 into a Ranger X cab?

 

Anything is possible with enough work.

Wiring will suck though, but that's to be expected

 

That's what I'm concerned about, anything is possible. I'm just wondering if it's worth the effort to use the F150 drivetrain or just swap the engine in and beef up the rest of the Ranger. If anything, wiring is one of my stronger points. I installed a 91 5.0 in my Factory Five Roadster and kept the fuel injection system. For the rest of the car I used an American Autowire harness. Essentially I would swap the whole system and computer. On the 5.0 there was only about six or seven wires I had to actually hook up. The rest just plugged right back together.

 

Well if wiring is your strong suit, I would say go for it.

That's where a lot of these kinds of projects fall apart, the wiring

 

What about the mechanicals? Will the transmission and transfer case fit? I know custom driveshafts will be a must but luckily there is a good shop in town that can build anything you want and do a good job. I've never heard of one of his failing.

 

Custom mounts are in order, I believe it will fit.

Take some measurements of the transmission and transfer case, like length, width, and height

 

what trans is in the f150? On my 1994 4x4 Ranger i have the transmission, transfer case, and block out of an 1987 4x4 F150. My transmission(NP435) has a large bellhousing and it would be TIGHT in the tunnel without a bodylift. If you're going to use the f150s transfer case you may have to trim a slight amount out of the driverside frame rail; and again bodylift helps out greatly here. I have my radiator mounted under the radiator support to gain more clearance for the accessories. Im not using the f150 accessories so i cant comment on that. Also im carbed so no experience with the wiring; but if you're confident just grab evtms for both trucks and have at it. The F150 intake has been rumored to be too tall to fit under the hood. I havent tried so i cant comment but i think its gonna be impossible without a body lift; id grab a GT40 style from an explorer if it were me. Oh and i used stock motor mounts from a 94stang.

Overall you can make it work, just going to have to mod and fab here and there just like any swap. I do recommend a bodylift for clearance sake. If you need any pictures or have any other questions just ask.

Goodluck!