• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

1991 2.3 to 4.0 engine Swap


91Dangeranger

New Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2016
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Gumlog, Arkansas
Vehicle Year
1991
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3l lima
Transmission
Manual
Hello Everyone,

I've got some questions about doing a engine swap in a 1991 Ford ranger. I would like to convert it from a 2.3 liter Lima engine to 4.0 liter V-6. So when I do the swap I am also planning to swap out the rear axle with an Explorer 8.8 inch 36 spline Axle.
What model year Ford Ranger or Explorer 4.0 Engines would work in a 1991 Ranger Platform?

Currently I have a Mazda M50D 5 Speed Manual Transmission, would this transmission work with the 4.0 engine? if not, what manual transmission do I need to get to work with the 4.0 liter engine?

I am looking for any kind of input in regards to the parts that I need to get to put on my 91 ranger to get a new engine to work. So any answers are welcome, thank you.:icon_thumby:
 


Cody L

New Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2008
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Age
41
Location
Waterloo, IA
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3T
Transmission
Manual
Stick with a 91-94 4.0L as it is OBD 1 like your truck, you'll want the transmission from the 4.0L as well. The 2.3L transmission does not have the right bellhousing pattern. The 2.9L trans will bolt up but the gearing will not take advantage of the 4.0L torque.

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk
 

91Dangeranger

New Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2016
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Gumlog, Arkansas
Vehicle Year
1991
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3l lima
Transmission
Manual
Thank you for the reply sir. How reliable is the 4.0 liter OHV for the 90 to 94 model years? will they go 300,000 miles? Any known common issues with them?
 

BlackBII

Ranger Custom
Article Contributor
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
Truck of Month
Joined
Aug 14, 2007
Messages
7,895
Reaction score
982
Points
113
Location
UT
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
5
Tire Size
33
The 4.0 is reliable as long as it stays cool. If they overheat, they blow head gaskets and warp heads.

You will need to get 4.0 motor mounts, and the entire engine harness. It goes from the large round plug on the drivers side, up around the engine, and down through the firewall to the computer on the passenger side kick panel. You'll need the computer as well.

I would look for a 90-92 Ranger or a 91-94 Explorer. Explorers are easy to find, because the automatic transmissions they came with were unreliable, and most people can't afford to fix them. This means that local classifieds and craigslist has tons of these Explorers with good engines at around ~$500.
 

planeflyer21

Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2013
Messages
192
Reaction score
19
Points
18
Location
Sonoran Desert
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
3.0
Transmission
Manual
The 4.0 is reliable as long as it stays cool. If they overheat, they blow head gaskets and warp heads.

You will need to get 4.0 motor mounts, and the entire engine harness. It goes from the large round plug on the drivers side, up around the engine, and down through the firewall to the computer on the passenger side kick panel. You'll need the computer as well.

I would look for a 90-92 Ranger or a 91-94 Explorer. Explorers are easy to find, because the automatic transmissions they came with were unreliable, and most people can't afford to fix them. This means that local classifieds and craigslist has tons of these Explorers with good engines at around ~$500.
That's interesting. I have the 3.0 but have been looking at engine options.

BlackBII, what remedies are best for that overheating here in the desert?
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Members online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top