I got my hands on a 1989 6 cyl ranger, auto 4x4,, is it possible to put a 289 in this using the transmission that's in the truck now.

 

Welcome to the forum

No, I don't think there are adapters for that

You have an A4LD automatic, 4x4 version

You would be looking at engine, trans and transfer case swap to put in a V8, also drive shafts

You could swap in a 4.0l V6, and use the same trans and transfer case

Google: Ranger 2.9l to 4.0l swap