I am new here and might be in an out when it comes to posting.

I have owned my ranger for about 11 years now. It is a 96 xlt 2.3 i4. Its been a great truck up until lately. In the 2-3 years i have had to replace both rear leaf spring mounts or shackles, 2 calipers a muffler, a clutch disc and Pressure plate. 2 slaves, and small stuff. I am not complaining too much. It just hit me all at once.

Anyways here is the question I have
I have currently been doing a lot of towing. (not with my truck, I borrow my boss's truck) I would like to stop using his truck. I have to fix the brake lines on the ranger (again) and after that I was looking to do a engine swap.

What i am looking for is nothing crazy. It doesnt have to run fast track times, or push out 500 hps. What I am looking for is more of a factory drop in. Something I can pull from one truck and drop into my truck with little fabbing as possible. Also the truck has to be ODB compliant . ( i live in CT where emissions is a PITA)
I dont need a v8 (unless I can drop straight in), I was hoping more for like a 4.0 or something. I just want to be able to tow a 2 wheel car dolly and a car behind it.

So do you guy have any how to's or a run down of a swpa like that ??



BTW HI everyone

 

Welcome!

Most people just do the 5.0 swap because it's about the same amount of work as a 4.0, and you get more power, but either way you decide to go, just find a similar year vehicle to get the engine and computer and wiring harness out of, and it should be no problem.

 

yank a 5.0 out of a expo!

 

welcome to the site.

 

Since a 5.0 was never offered in a Ranger it may not pass the emissions test.

 

What are the laws in your state? Does it have to come in the same vehicle or can it come in the same Make and just have to be the same year or newer?

 

welcome to R-F, Mark!

 

For the State of CT its a OBD scan. As along as it has the readiness codes. It should pass.



So I should be looking for a 96 exploder? is there a walk through or how to I can read to get a better jist of what I would be looking at?

BTW Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

 

welcome dude

 

Welcome to RF brother.

The search feature is your best friend. Do LOTS of reading, spend plenty of time preparing, and go for it. Oh yeah, and take plenty of pics for the rest of us to drool over!

 

Welcome to R-F.

There have been many 5.0 swaps performed on this site. If your looking at 500hp a 5.0 out of a stang would be your best best, but would be a money pit.

 

Howdy. Get ya a supercharged 4.0.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome aboard!