Hello,

I'm now the proud owner of a 83 Ranger 4x4 with the 2.3l i4 engine.
The body is great but the engine is toast.

What's a common swap people do? What engines will work?


I also own a 99 Ranger that has a 4cyl engine in it, but the body is awful (frame is tweaked from last guy wrecking it) At least that's what I'm assuming. Hell, it could just be an alignment issue.

Right now though I'm wanting to get the 83 running so I can start working on the cosmetics and get it to where I want.

So, if anyone has any engine swap ideas let me know!

 

Post some pictures!

 

I'll get some pics soon.

Do you have any idea what engines I can direct swap into the 83 without having to change anything?

Or if I swap for a newer fuel injected, what all would have to switched over?

 

if i was you id just drop in a carbed 302 and call it good

 

I don't have a couple grand to put into it. You really think it'd fit though? (serious question)

Eh, I suppose it could. Would give me a ridiculous hp upgrade lol

 

I don't know about a direct swap, but a carb setup would be much easier.

 

oh yea a 302 is a easy swap...drops right in

 

Just found a small block 5.0 from an 87 thunderbird, checking to see how much he wants right now

 

One other question if any of you see this...

When I bought the truck the guy said he was mudding, it died, he had it moved to his house opened it up and saw the cam was broke. I popped it open and don't see anything broken (I do see some lines on the cam where it's been worn down) but I'm not sure how to go about troubleshooting what's actually wrong here.

In other words, how do I test to see if it's broken or if it's just a timing chain?

 

he probably hydro locked the engine...which never ends well

 

I imagine his idea of mudding is going through a field. For an 83, this thing has no dents/dings, super clean, and I see no oil in the radiator.

Looks like the mustang 5.0 swap is a go though!

 

So from what I've read it's not going to be as simple as dropping it right in and going?

Looks like a lot of modifications to get it to fit. I'm not sure. Maybe getting this 83 was a bad idea for me lol

 

ive never heard of having to modify a ranger for a 302 to fit with the exception of swapping mounts...351 yes but not a 302