So I'm planning on 351w swapping my 02 Ranger rather than just going 302. Yes, I understand the extra work, I'm willing to deal with that. Already planning on grabbing an Explorer 8.8 rear end with the 31 spline axles... Not sure if I should see about getting a new set of Ranger heavy duty springs over potential worn out Explorer springs (I'm getting the Ranger lean, so guessing there's a chance my leaf springs may be worn as it is). I'm finding new springs in 4(3/1) for Explorers are 1100lb capacity and same config Rangers 1250lb capacity and optional heavy duty springs in 5(4/1) config with 1750lb capacity.

My other concern is the front suspension. I have the coil springs in the front rather than a torsion bar set up. I have upgraded to monotube shocks in front(KYB Gas-A-Just) and rear(Monroe Load Adjusting). I'm wondering if the factory or factory replacement springs in the front will be fine handling the extra weight of the larger V8, or if I'll need to find some way to source something else?

 

IMO worth doing new springs at the same time, especially if you're going to move them from under the axle (Explorer location) to above (Ranger location) anyway (ride height difference, if that matters).

The 351 could be 150-200# heavier than your 3L, so it will definitely change your ride characteristics. I have a 4WD with coil-over conversion (1999) and it makes a difference, but it depends what you want out of that front suspension, ride height, etc.

Cheers,
Aaron

 

I do have plans to go with new springs in the front and the rear. Gonna try to move them from under the axle along with the heavy duty 5(4/1) 1750lb capacity leaf springs. I've managed to find coil springs at O'Reilly's, and if at all possible, I'd like to try maintaining factory ride height. If nothing else, if new springs don't hold up in maintaining the ride height and I'm not happy with whatever loss I get, I might look into a suspension lift or stiffer shocks to try correcting for the discrepancy, if that's something that would work.