1986 ford ranger HELP!!!!

Yeah this thread is about my poor truck. This truck has sat outside at the street for 20 years. I got it from my dad and figured I'd hot rod it. (Light truck+302=um what was that) Any way I need some help on finding a seven foot rust free bed for it(cheep=key). And a motor for it (again cheep) along any info that people can give me about what i need to do to give it its engine trans plant.:(

Yeah this thread is about my poor truck. This truck has sat outside at the street for 20 years. I got it from my dad and figured I'd hot rod it. (Light truck+302=um what was that) Any way I need some help on finding a seven foot rust free bed for it(cheep=key). And a motor for it (again cheep) along any info that people can give me about what i need to do to give it its engine trans plant.:(

I haven't done that perticular swap, but from what I understand you'll need a new drive shaft, transmission (it's possible to use stock, but the cost+durability isn't worth your time), motor mounts, exhaust... You might need to do something with the front suspension to compensate for the extra weight from the V8. You'll need to look into the speedometer cable, throttle cable and kick down cable (if using auto). Probably some re-wiring, oil filter re-location kit, and a you need a special oil pan because of the front cross member. You'll also need a new transmission mount. The stock 7.5" should be OK on a slightly built 302. I would reccomend aftermarket gauges for the oil pressure and water temperature. You'll need to get a new radiator, and probably fabricate it into the front of the truck. You can swap in a 4.0L 2 row raditor from a 91-94 Explorer super cooling w/ A/C, but I am not sure if that's going to be sufficient. I would recommend a 5.0L H.O. swap because it has roller lifters, but that's up to you. It would require a lot more work with adapting the ECC into the truck and main harness.

I imagine there's some I missed - this isn't a cheap or easy swap. Unless you're great at fabricating and welding things.. I wouldn't go cheap either, if you get the engine used, I would be tempted to measure the cam lobes and change the oil pump, main and rod bearings. If there's any damage to any of the important mechanical components, you can fix the issue now before it bites you back later.

I am not sure what to tell you about the bed - it sounds like you need to hit a junk yard up for some parts if you're looking for cheap. I've seen fiber glass bed sides, also replacement body parts that can be welded in as well. I have a 87 Marquis with a low performance 5.0L, and it's not fast at all. They're designed to be fuel efficient and for low end torque. A good cam grind will remedy this, but you must absolutely know where you want the power to be when you get a grind made. Too agressive will ruin driveability - keep that in mind as well.

Pete

thanks for the info. I'm starting to wounder if I should just tune the little four cylender instead.
Its all still open anyone have a feeling on that it would be apperciated

thanks for the info. I'm starting to wounder if I should just tune the little four cylender instead.
Its all still open anyone have a feeling on that it would be apperciated

IMO - Best bet would be to get your hands on a 2.3L Turbo engine. :)

Pete

So how much horse power do you think that a turbo I4 crank out. I also was woundering if a 289 would be a better option. If so is it a smaller block then the 302 v8 or does it just have smaller pistion size any help would be great

Thanks pyte, oh yeah i got my bed and got it painted, so now it is all left to the engine... so as i see it i have a few options, sup up the strieght four, go with a 302, a 289, or a v6, which brings me to the next question I have, will a 3.8 v6 fit my transmission and motor mounts.