Hey there got a 2.3l 95 xlt ranger 2wd with the 5 speed, I recently got rod knock, and well best option is probably swap the motor but I’m not trying todo much custom fabrication. I know the 2.3l is not enough power so I’m will to try the 4.0 v6 but will it bolt on the stock transmission? Which motored can go on the stock tranny?

 

In a 1995 2.3l you can only use a 1995-1997 2.3l can't use 1994 or earlier

You can use a 1998-2001 2.5l Ranger or Mazda B2500 engine but just the engine and head, have to swap over your intakes with injectors, as the 1998 - 2001 2.5l used different fuel system
2.5l is a stroked 2.3l, same block, head and pistons, just has different crank and longer connecting rods for longer stroke, not much more power but some
And NOT a 2001 - 2011 2.3l, that's a DOHC duratec engine, no match ups at all

And No on a 3.0l or 4.0l V6, nothing matches up, at that point you would do an Explorer V8 swap since its the same amount of work, engine, trans, computer and wiring, plus exhaust and cooling