My friend wants to do this but we don't know where to start aside from rebuilding the whole front end and having the radiators behind the can like a trophy truck

 

Not sure even rebuilding the front would help

model 3208, a 636-cubic inch V-8 engine, weighs 1,685 pounds and measures 57 inches(L) x 40 inches(H) x 40 inches(W)

1,685 POUNDS!!!, going to need some frame changes

That's 1,100 pounds more than the small block V8, 550lbs

40" width means no heater box, and NO STEERING shaft
The 5.0l V8 is 20" wide and barely fits
Not sure even u-joints could do it for steering

Length of 57"...........Ranger bumper to firewall is about 55", so yes no radiator, or front grill

 

I assumed as much when I lifted out the 4L v6 from my buddies ranger and watched the suspension a raise a bit we just want it as a practical joke but if it happenes we do expect to have to reinforce but by that point were actually better off getting a short bed single can f250-350 frame and mating the ranger body to it

 

Griggs would be the person you wanna talk too, or Dan - from Buffalo

 

Did you mean the 3126 cat 7.2 l idi injection (hpop) computer controlled c7 that come in late 90s early 2000s gmc and chevy top kick snd kodiak 450 550 6500 trucks? Cause that would be doable. Still ******* rediculous but way more doable. Lol i have some... curently looking into swapping one out of a flat bed tow truck that has 500 k, with one from another service truck i have... the venersble 93 12 valve p pump. Which would be the most doable swap in one of these rangers... i ha ene tore down. Whole front clip off. 2000 black ford ranger ex cab 4x4. Very tempting to toss in an ls or vortec 350/nv4500 ect just tonpiss off all my ford borthern. Those are silly, but just like the 12 valve pretty doable. The 3126 engine would be the biggest cat id consider for this. And i sure as **** wouldnt toss one in a ford ranger, pick something about 30 or 60 years older imo... i attached a picture of a truck im building for refrence. 1956 4400 duramax. I am running the rear of the truck old school pre runner style down to the ladder bars and even the intercooler mounted in the bed.