First off let me start by saying hello to all. I'm actually looking for advice. I bought my son a 1988 ford ranger for xmas. the truck is a 2.3L four banger with a 5 speed tranny. bad news now the truck has a three inch body lift with kelly safari msr 33x9.50 tires and of course is 4wd. the truck looks sweet and son wants to keep it this way. can anyone tell me if i can swap the 4 banger with a 2.9 or the indestructible 4.0? definatly dont want to do the V8 cuz son is only 15 and dont need him with all that for his first vehicle. any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

cost wise - start looking for a V6 equiped Ranger and sell the 4 banger
and if you are staying with a 4x4 stay away from the 3.0

 

welcome check this out it should come in handy
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/tech/40/swapfaq.shtml
also check out rps's full tech section it might come in handy


oh yea...check out
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.htm
they have a swap section on the left that may give you more info

and like lilblue said...stay away from the 3.0...i wish i would have know that.
and get some pictures up.we like to see

 

***oops deleted***

 

I know that you want to stay away from the v-8, but that is pretty much your choice if you want to do the upgrade and keep it somewhat inexpensive. The 4.0L sway is possibly, but costly. There are kit available for the 302 sway that come with everything you need for approx. $600, that includes headers, harness, all mounts, aluminum radiator. For the engine/trans, they are a dime a dozen. A stock 302 doesn't have that much more power than the 4.0L and it doesn't rev as quick(in stock form). The entire swap can be done for under $1700 not including any install fee if you do not do the job yourself. A mechanically sound 302 in a ranger still gets well over 20 mpg and once he gets older, the possibilities are endless!