1991 4l V6 has blown the freeze plug behind the passenger side motor mount...

[N8ter13]

After stealing this truck for a paltry $800, i have taken it to a garage to repair the (extremely worn) 4x4 u-joint bearings- the mechanic mentioned coolant leaking was from the plug situated behind a motor mount... after throwing tires on it, which required about 4 miles of driving, the plug has become a gusher.
Arizona truck, 0 rust, motor has 236k...
VIn# 1FMDU34X...
Should I have this competent mechanic rebuild it?
Should I purchase a reman?
Should I buy a 302 crate motor?
Looking for suggestions...

 

[Josh P]

351W fits the engine bay too which would be my 1st choice.

 

[RangerX]

Did you get a quote on just replacing the freeze plug? I’d start there.

 

[N8ter13]

Did you get a quote on just replacing the freeze plug? I’d start there.

Yeah, $800 they have to pull the engine to complete the repair- thats why i figure a complete rebuild is minimum, if im already paying to pull it...

 

[Josh P]

Yeah, $800 they have to pull the engine to complete the repair- thats why i figure a complete rebuild is minimum, if im already paying to pull it...

Going that deep in, you'd be happier with a V8

 

[ChildIdenticant]

Uncle gave the '94 as a chirstmas gift with known coolant leak in december of '03. Freeze/sand plug was the first repair done. Hassle but doable in the driveway. If you can't find the proper size plug anymore (haven't checked) there exists a plug that expands with a screw. Had that issue with an Elantra.

236k is.... a bit much. but you got your Ex for a decent price. Looks like you got the '91 sun-x as2 clear glass (Noice!) and even maybe a tow package, elixr 2000 steps, bull guard....
If the compression is still good spending the time to repair the smaller issues of coolant leak makes sense. Consider doing it yourself if you have the space.

Do you have any more details about the engine?

 

[N8ter13]

The freeze plug that failed is DIRECTLY behind a motor mount, cant even lay eyes on it, let alone get tools in there!
The motor starts and runs ok, and it was driveable until the plug started spewing... replaced some vacuum lines and she idled smooth.
A 351 is a better match than a 302?
Any suggestions on where to grab a good crate motor?

 

[410Fortune]

Okay okay calm down
Freeze plug leak does not equal v8 conversion…. At least not yet.

V8 conversion is a drivetrain conversion, not just an engine swap

It maybe possible to support the 4.0 engine, unbolt the engine mount and replace the freeze plug

Yes you can get the correct freeze plug at just about any parts store. I replace them all the time. Dorman makes a nice thick stainless one

$800 is a bit much unless the engine indeed has to come out. I have always been able to replace them without pulling the engine, but then I live and breathe these trucks so very familiar

A v8 conversion can be anywhere from $2000-20000 depending on how wild you go with it

351 is not an easy fit, pretty sure josh was just poking fun.
He Likes to do that! You mention v8 he says go for it. A 351 powered gen 1 would be one sick beast that is for sure… but the 302 is a much easier fit and down way more often.
Heck I’ve seen a 460 in a ranger, we have seen Ecoboost conversions, Chevy small blocks, I mean lots of engines “fit” the engine bay hahahahaha. The 302 is a natural fit, everything else way more complex

These trucks are Rvb (ranger based vehicles) so if it can be done, it has been. Ranger came out in 1983 later that year somebody was running a v8 ranger I guarantee it. We are ford dudes and never satisfied with stock

So let’s start w the basics
Is this an auto?

What do you plan to do with the truck?

Before you run out and buy a $2800 crate 302 Long block you need to understand what you are getting into and what you are looking at. The v8 does not just bolt in, you have to change everything in the drivetrain and tons of plumbing and wiring and custom work

Your pushrod 4.0 can live to 350k miles many times and other times they are toast at 238k it just depends..

 

[Josh P]

Actually this is a rare occasion I'm being serious. A 351W swap would be my choice cause it does fit a 1st gen well. The powerband is down low where the motor spends 90% of its time. The information and engine swap parts for the 83-97 Ranger works with the 1st gen explorer. The additional work to fitting a 351W in the engine bay is using a specific rear sump oil pan and notching the heater box on the firewall.
A blown freeze plug = 351W swap.

 

[410Fortune]

And there you have it!!!

What else is involved?

Transmission selection?
Transfer case selection?
Would this be carbed or efi?
What about exhaust manifolds/headers exhaust?
Do you plan to retain air conditioning? Cruise control?
Instrument cluster, will 91 cluster work with the new 351 and trans?
Budget?

Cooling a 351 4wd and auto trans…
What radiator? Mechanical or electric fan? Ac condenser and trans coolers oil cooler how to make it all fit

The list goes on and on…

$2000 over a weekend to $20,000 over the course of a few years…. Planning is key to drivetrains swaps
Go informed!

 

[Josh P]

Planning is the most important part. I recommend taking some time reading about other people that have done 351W swaps. Those that did a 302 then went to a 351W regret not just going to the 351W 1st. This would be the car you'd drive for the next 50 years and if someone offered you stupid crazy amount of cash that you sold it, you'd regret it for the rest of your life, once the thrill of having the cash wore off.

 

[410Fortune]

I did 302! I should do a 351!
I have a 400m in the garage! I should stuff that in there??? It was given to me “needs rings runs like a scolded dog” carbed 400m into rwd ranger should I do it?

 

[Josh P]

I did 302! I should do a 351!
I have a 400m in the garage! I should stuff that in there??? It was given to me “needs rings runs like a scolded dog” carbed 400m into rwd ranger should I do it?

Killing me smalls. You get to the point where things don't fit. A 351W does fit and is similar amount of work to swap as a 302. There's a video on YouTube of a Ranger with a 390 under the hood, it never got traction for the duration of the video.

 

[410Fortune]

No I’m serious!! To me the 351 was great in a rwd but rarely done in a 4wd
And I was given this stupid engine it’s huge takes up tons of shop space… I’m still trying to figure out if it’s a 400 truck engine (boat anchor) or a 351 based 400m…. All Greek to me have not had the time to sort it out. Mixed info online

I have a 96 rwd ranger standard cab 4 banger auto short bed that is begging ti go fast



Poor dude just needs to replace a freze
Plug, one mention of v8 and we go nuts

This is the correct Dorman part for that freeze
Plug in the ohv

 

[N8ter13]

Im not trying to make a monster, my interest is in making it a reliable driver with power to tow a small trailer w/motorcycle cross-country on occassion. Im definitely trying to get the opinions of experience, so as to avoid spending too little money on getting her truly refreshed... I dont have a garage space to work on it, the mechanic that replaced the u-jount bearings pointed out the location of the leaky plug, and after it has now become a gusher, I can see it pour out from behind the motor mount, passenger side front- as fast as I pour it in. It will make it to a shop, but i wont start it in this condition: close to 0 coolant.

 

[Turdle]

Well, swap is out of the question, fix is in order here.
I believe @410Fortune has the correct path. Possibly remove engine mount with engine supported to gain access to freeze plug?

 

[N8ter13]

Well, swap is out of the question, fix is in order here.
I believe @410Fortune has the correct path. Possibly remove engine mount with engine supported to gain access to freeze plug?

Ok, if Im to go this route, should I go in requesting an overhaul and mention the plug as a small aside? Im willing to spend a couple grand- maybe an aluminum water pump, new radiator, and fuel sending parts? Should I show up with a stack of parts, or will the average shop just hate me for that?
Seems to me, framing my needs to a garage "properly" matters when it comes to their enthusiasm in getting her done...
Im not a cheapskate, but im also not a whale!!

Advice of all kinds welcome, V8 jaguar swaps included (haha, KIDDING)
Also, I lucked into this truck, and need to fix it before i can even drive it home for title: Indiana requures a physical VIN check

 

[Josh P]

Is it auto or manual transmission?

 

[N8ter13]

Auto, unfortunately

 

[Josh P]

Auto, unfortunately

Having an A4LD fail on you as far away from home as possible has happened to me a few times. Make sure to have AAA and a good pair of walking shoes in the car.