advice on hurtin' 4.0L

[smurman]

i've got a 99 ranger 4x4, w/ a 4.0L. several years back i loaned it out, and it overheated. cracked head. i replaced the heads w/ some remanned jobs. for my trouble, i got a cracked piston ring in cylinder 6. i knew it was possible, but figured it wasn't likely.

anyhow, i finally got a new DD, so now i'm sitting on a project truck that i don't know what to do with. it's only 85k miles, stock, and lived the rust-free california life. i know i can sell it off, but i'm wondering if it's worth throwing more money at it. would make a nice pre-runner, but i don't need that. possibly w/ a ladder rack and box it could be a good work truck.

the 4.0L was fine when dinosaurs ruled the earth, but now i don't see much point rebuilding it. dropping in a small block v8 can be done. i'd really like a lightweight, medium-HP engine w/ good torque if i'm going to make it a work truck/light tow rig. is it possible to cram a small diesel in there?

any thoughts or advice? think it's worth the trouble to resurrect?

-SM-

 

[DeepEmissions]

A V8 should fit, but be careful with the 4.6L I don't remember the exact angle of the pistons but it is pretty wide. So measure a 4.6L 'Stang or F150 from Valve Cover to Valve Cover and Fan Blade to Bell Housing. Then, measure up your Engine Bay and see whatcha got. may have to opt for a 5.0 so you have the clearance with Shorty headers.

EDIT: a pre-runner on the cheap would sell like hotcakes to the right buyer!

 

[yavapaires]

i've got a 99 ranger 4x4, w/ a 4.0L. several years back i loaned it out, and it overheated. cracked head. i replaced the heads w/ some remanned jobs. for my trouble, i got a cracked piston ring in cylinder 6. i knew it was possible, but figured it wasn't likely.

anyhow, i finally got a new DD, so now i'm sitting on a project truck that i don't know what to do with. it's only 85k miles, stock, and lived the rust-free california life. i know i can sell it off, but i'm wondering if it's worth throwing more money at it. would make a nice pre-runner, but i don't need that. possibly w/ a ladder rack and box it could be a good work truck.

the 4.0L was fine when dinosaurs ruled the earth, but now i don't see much point rebuilding it. dropping in a small block v8 can be done. i'd really like a lightweight, medium-HP engine w/ good torque if i'm going to make it a work truck/light tow rig. is it possible to cram a small diesel in there?

any thoughts or advice? think it's worth the trouble to resurrect?

-SM-

What "small diesel" are you talking about? Years ago the shop foreman at the trucking company I drove for had a 67 Ford F100 with a 3-53 Detroit, four speed with a three speed Browning in it. Worst problem he had was keeping front wheels on it, they kept cracking from the excess weight. So, you gotta watch the front end weight. I am not familiar with many small diesels. But it would be unique.

 

[smurman]

What "small diesel" are you talking about?

nothing firm. there are merc or VW turbo in the 3.0L size. i think recent vintage both have more torque than the 4.0L, and about the same HP.

-SM-