This has been going through my head for the past week now I just need to get it out. I've been itching for a 5.0L/4.6L and it won't go away. I don't know if any of this will happen or not, just throwing that out there. Here are my options:

1. Buy a relatively inexpensive mustang GT(somewhere around $3500) it would have to be in decent/good condition.
2. drop a 5.0L in the ranger. Which would be alot less expensive(I'm thinking 2 grand for everything you would need).
3. Or just be patient and save money up for a 1999-2004 Ford SVT Lightning or a 2003-2004 Ford SVT Cobra when I graduate from college.

I have a question about the 5.0 swap. My truck is my DD and I was just wondering if you can do this and have it be reliable driving long distances and what not.

Opinions and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
heres a pic of my truck if it helps:

 

If you do it right, there shouldnt be any issues with driving it long distances

 

NO 4.6.. My ranger will smoke my buddies 4.6 at all times.

 

WHat is it in? an F150? think about the weight difference.

 

Yea a 96 150 I think the year is. I also have larger tires to.

 

5.0 would be awesome, but would it be worth all that work?

 

I heard that it's a fairly easy install. Thanks for the replys guys. More opinions would be great.

 

Personally, unless you're dead set on having a 5.0 Ranger, I'd stick with a 5.0 Stang or save for your dream SVT. A 5.0 can be as reliable as if it came equipped, if you know what you're doing. Manual trans (if you were wanting one) and 4wd could become an issue. A 5.0 is easy, to a degree. It's no bolt in swap by any means, especially when you start getting into a 5.0/4wd. You can have PCM, motor mounts, headers, wiring, exhaust, clutch/shifter, t-case adapter, rad, front belt drive and all the little issues that pop up that you have to consider. Ohh, and don't bother setting a budget unless you are hell-bent on it. My 5.0 parts gather started 1.5 years ago with a $2000 budget, and now with the motor being rebuilt and mostly done it has come close to $5000 for just engine/trans parts cost.

IMO, I'd buy a clean 5.0 Fox or later 4.6 GT/Cobra.

 

i say go the inexpensive gt route and work on it as a project. although a 5.0 would be sweet in your ranger, it really wont be as fast as a mustang because of the 4wd and the weight issue. if you need help looking or if you end up getting anything started let me know id be glad to help!

 

Thanks Israel. I'm going to think this whole thing over a little bit. I'm sorta leaning on saving my pennies for an SVT when I graduate.

 

thats what I also was thinking I know I would break my budget if I went that route because I do want to keep the 4wd, it comes in handy around here. Thanks for the advice.

 

Its alot of work to do a 5.0 swap. It takes alot of time and research. There is no reason the 5.0 can't be reliable as a daily driver. I drive mine every single day. Your not 2 far from me, if you want we could have a mini meet sometime and you can see what its like to have a 5.0 in a ranger and see if the power difference is even worth it 2 you.

 

I'd buy the mustang honestly. Unless you already have another vehicle to drive while the ranger is being operated on.

 

Definitely buy a mustang.

It'll be more fun to drive than a 5.0 Ranger IMO.

 

Ya. my thinking was if I put the 5.0L in the truck I would have the goods of both worlds in one vehicle. But then I was thinking today with school and my mowing business I won't have much time to think of this and work on it during the summer. Its going to take alot of research and time like Rob said. Like I said earlier I think I'm going to have to be patient and stick it out a couple more years and go with option C. I'm keeping the ranger as long as its still beating, even after I graduate.

Thanks for the advice guys

 

i had an 99 Mountaineer with the 5.0, it was AWD but i think it felt weeker than our v6's