91 Ranger 4x4 2.9L engine took a dump...

[91RedRyder]

thinking about getting new motor and lowering truck to the ground. I like the 4.0L, but want to get other peoples thoughts. is this just a pain in the ass.
any help is appreciated. thanx in advance.

 

[yzguy1988]

id put a 302 in it, but thats just me.

 

[91RedRyder]

id put a 302 in it, but thats just me.

I like the idea, but going from a small v6 to a bigger v6 shouldn't be as muck work. I was really wondering if I could just drop in the 4.0L or if it would just be easier to just get another 2.9L(I just replaced the clutch 15,000 miles ago).

 

[dogfriend]

I think that the 4.0 was factory installed in some 90+ Rangers. I remember that because I bought an 89 Ranger and they offered the bigger V6 the next year. :fire:

Anyway, it should be easier to install a 4.0 if you find a Ranger donor truck.

 

[410Fortune]

2.9L to 4.0L = bolt in ordeal, some minor wiring and thats it. Best bang for the $$$$ IMO, can be done in a weekend.

 

[91RedRyder]

I think that the 4.0 was factory installed in some 90+ Rangers. I remember that because I bought an 89 Ranger and they offered the bigger V6 the next year. :fire:

Anyway, it should be easier to install a 4.0 if you find a Ranger donor truck.

I do know that in the 91 ranger there were 3 engine options. 2.9L, 3.0L, and the 4.0L.
now I just need to find one that I can build up.

 

[410Fortune]

Your best bet is a 93 donor IMO, no EGR, no cam position sensor, better electronics then the 91-92 models and stronger heads then the 91-92 models.

The 91 computer would be the easiest conversion for you, but the 93 is not much different and as I said it has a far superior power distribution box and better heads.

94 is the same with the addition of EGR and a cam position sensor (more wiring)

Ranger, Explorer or Areostart donors will work, but the Aerostar layout under the hood is a bit different.

 

[91RedRyder]

so, I should look for a 93 ranger with a 4.0L and use it for all the parts?

 

[410Fortune]

Ranger or Explorer yes.

You need the engine, engine harness, computer and computer harness, the power distribution harness and should also consider getting the transmission.

is your 2.9L a 5 speed or auto?

 

[91RedRyder]

It is a 5-speed. am I able to keep the tranny that I have?

 

[410Fortune]

yes you can, which 5 speed? Being a 91 truck I suspect you have the Mazda (2.9L trucks came with 3 different 5 speeds but I believe after 89 its all Mazda)

Your Mazda 5 speed is the same unit that came behind a 4.0L until 93 when it was upgraded.
the 2.9L and 4.0L are sisters, the only real difference between your 2.9L and the 4.0L is the bore and stroke and the 4.0L has a DIS ignition and better computer.
I assume your 91 2.9L already has MAS???

Your conversion IS REALLY EASY, seriously to go 4.0L you need to bolt one in, add the wiring, consider some upgrades (new clutch, radiator, etc) and you are done.
The 4.0L motivates a Ranger ALOT BETTER then the poor little 2.9 trust me I know

 

[lonewolfalpha]

Another thought for later on with the 4.0 is that when money allows and you're building a street truck there are even super chargers for the engine that realy make the 4.0 a monster that will surprise the hell out of a lot of V8 guys and girls. I like sleepers.

 

[Cawthon88]

Need a 2.9?

I have a 2.9 that runs great it is in a 91 4x4 ext cab w/ auto trans. It is coming out in about 2 weeks and being replaced with a 5.0 HO w/ AOD trans. If you want the 2.9 you are more than welcome to it I don't need it and am just gonna pitch it in the dumpster anyway. Let ,me know. Ohh and it only has 42,000 miles on it since rebuild.

 

[wannabe]

HMMM... free engine w/42K? I'd take it. 2.9 is ok if you're not in a hurry.

 

[lonewolfalpha]

Anyone near Grande Rapids want a free engine? I'ld take her but being north of the 49th kinda puts the kibosh on that idea. Good luck with the 5.0.

 

[Cawthon88]

LOL.Yeah can't get in no big hurry with a 2.9. Thanks i'll try to keep everyone updated on my progress with the engine swap

 

[ExporeRanger]

cawthon..email me at kitsherren@yahoo.com if you really want to giv that engine up maybe we can figure something out to get it here..thanks
-chris