I have a 1990 ford ranger XLT lariat with a 2.9, 5 speed manual transmission, extended cab and I was wondering if I could do an engine swap and get a 4.0. The reason i ask is because I have looked all over the internet and it is nearly impossible to find parts for this pickup let alone an engine. This was my dads first brand new pickup that he ever bought, and I decided to fix it up after he hit a deer with it and decided to let it sit for like 7 years. so far it actually runs very well for something that has been sitting, but he said that when he bought it, the guy at the dealership said that there were not a lot of this model pickup made so I was also hoping someone could give me some leads?

 

The 2.9l and 4.0l shared the same block.
So a 4.0l will bolt right in, as far as trans and motor mounts are concerned.

BUT, always a but.........you will need the computer and wiring harness for a 4.0l with manual trans.
Also 4.0l needs to be complete including air tube and MAF sensor.

The 2.9l was offered in Rangers from '86 to '92
4.0l OHV was offered from '90 to 2000, 1997 and up had better heads, less prone to cracking.

4.0l SOHC has nothing in common with 2.9l or 4.0l OHV, it was offered in 2001 Rangers and up