I just bought a 97 xlt manual trans. Was throwing around the idea of putting a 302 in it. My question is what is the best route to go. ie year of motor trans ect.
I'm good when it comes to wrenching, but electronics kill me. I can get threw it, it just takes me some time.
Any help would be appreciated

 

If you want fuel injected 302 V8 then a 1996 to 2001 Explorer V8 is what you want, the whole Explorer,1996/7 is best, but 1998-2001 will work
These have a short water pump and short intake that fit in Ranger engine bay
These were ALL automatics

Best manual trans is the M5R2 from an F-series with 4.2l V6, 1997 thru 2003, 2WD if thats what you have
4.2L V6 in these years have same trans bolt pattern as 302, and the M5R2 are made for V8 power, and shifter is is same place as Ranger M5R1
The Rangers M5R1 is not made for V8 power and won't bolt to 302 in any case

If you want a Carb/distributor setup and no computer then almost any year 302 with short intake and short water pump and accessories will work
With above M5R2 trans