I bought an 88 ranger that has a bad engine and transmission. what I'm trying to find out is does anyone know of some good engine replacements/upgrades? and how hard it would be to make it manual also.

I've heard that engine swaps aren't easy, but if anyone has done it this year then I would appreciate some tips.

 

Welcome to the forum

A 1990-1994 Ranger 4.0l w/manual trans would be a good swap
You need the 4.0l computer and engine wiring harness with it

You need the clutch/brake pedal assembly, and I think just a 1988 fits, can't remember but I thought there was one year in the late 1980's that was specific, but could be 1989, lol

And the clutch master cylinder

Have a look at car-part.com for your area
Look for 1992 Ranger "engine" then select 4.0l, if should show you 1990-2000 4.0l but you need the OBD1 1990-1994 years

You should see some places come up and you can check if they have both engine/trans combo and computer with harness available
1990-1994 manual trans is an M5OD-R1(M5R1)

Or look for replacement for your 1998 engine/trans, manual if you want

Trans of any year must match 2WD or 4x4, they are different

And then there is ALWAYS the V8 swap, loads of info on swapping in a Ford 302(5.0l) engine into a Ranger, carb/distributor is easier but you can buy a rusted out 1996-2001 V8 Explorer and you get most of the parts you need for EFI swap although it would be automatic

 

Try a 4bt Cummins from the 80s or a 302. You’ll get more power and torque.