ranger 4x4 23.3T

Boles · Jul 15, 2015

ranger 4x4 2.3T

Been looking for info on what other 4x4 rangers other then a 2.3 4x4 ranger i could swap my already converted 87 2wd turbo ranger motor,etc into a 4x4,thanks Jim.

RonD · Jul 16, 2015

You need a 4WD transmission/transfer case that fits the unique 2.3l blocks bolt pattern, so you need to get that out of a 4x4 ranger with 2.3l.
Don't forget Mazda B2300 4x4 in your search

Then you can put it in anything you want, if money is no object

Ford did put the 2.3l Lima into Ranger 4x4s up through '97 model year, but they are a rare find after 1988

don4331 · Jul 16, 2015

And here I thought Boles was installing a V-12 Rolls Royce Griffon in his Ranger to get 23 litres.

Isn't another option to by a 4x4 version of his existing transmission, remove the guts from both transmissions, and then install the 4x4 guts/tail shaft on his existing 2.3l transmission.

More work, but maybe easier to find (assuming one has skills/tools to rebuild a transmission).

fastpakr · Jul 16, 2015

don4331 said:
And here I thought Boles was installing a V-12 Rolls Royce Griffon in his Ranger to get 23 litres.

Isn't another option to by a 4x4 version of his existing transmission, remove the guts from both transmissions, and then install the 4x4 guts/tail shaft on his existing 2.3l transmission.

More work, but maybe easier to find (assuming one has skills/tools to rebuild a transmission).

I think if you went that route it could actually be -any- 4x4 M5ODR1, not just the 2.3 version.

RonD · Jul 16, 2015

fastpakr said:
I think if you went that route it could actually be -any- 4x4 M5ODR1, not just the 2.3 version.

Assuming he has a manual trans, he could have an automatic

Boles · Jul 16, 2015

Yes i have a 5spd now
I have found 3 trucks hope to get all of them 2 of them are 2.3 4cyl 5spd 4x4 1 86 1 85 and 1 85 2.8 5spd 4x4

Boles · Jul 16, 2015

Thanks for the info as i was wondering if it would swap with the older 2.8 v6.I was told that once?

Boles · Jul 16, 2015

also found a 4cyl 4x4 ranger right in my town still trying to contact owner,kinda ruff but would like drivetrain for parts?

RonD · Jul 16, 2015

Ford's 2.8l, 2.9l and 4.0l had the same transmission bolt pattern.

2.3l is not the same as those or any other non-Lima engine, it was unique.

Boles · Jul 16, 2015

Ok,figured so on the V6,was hoping there was a way to make a V6 4x4 ranger a 2.3T without alot of?
The 2.3, 2300cc,2000cc are the same and lima family?

redhurricane · Jul 16, 2015

you have limited options for 4x4 with the 2.3. the v6 transmissions don't have the same bolt pattern and the bellhousings are not interchangeable.

Easiest and probably most rare, the M5od-R1 that came in the 91-92 ranger NA 2.3. you can certainly modify any 2wd M5OD into 4wd, but it will take parts from the 4x4 M5OD that was common behind the 4.0 explorer/ranger to do so. tail housing and guts transfer over, case does not.

C4 auto can be adapted to the 2.3 and 4x4, you need the Advance Adapters tail housing and either the 2.0 bell with stepped dowels, or 2.3 bell (also getting rare) or the 157 tooth SBF bell and Canfield adapter to get the biggest clutch possible.

third option would be a divorced transfer case, but more fab work involved.

redhurricane · Jul 16, 2015

Boles said:
Yes i have a 5spd now
I have found 3 trucks hope to get all of them 2 of them are 2.3 4cyl 5spd 4x4 1 86 1 85 and 1 85 2.8 5spd 4x4

I'd be very curious to see these, I was not aware of any 4 cylinder 2.3 NA 4x4 trucks pre-91.

RonD · Jul 16, 2015

2.0l, 2.3l, 2.5l were all Lima engines, all had the same block and for the most part the same heads
Bore and stroke gave the more and less CCs

don4331 · Jul 16, 2015

Humor me gentlemen, but couldn't his 5 spd be either the Mitsubishi or Toyo Koygo based on the '87 year? (We are kind of assuming M5OD...)

Which would have detachable bell housing...

What transmission code do you have on the 'Federal sticker', Boles?

adsm08 · Jul 16, 2015

Yes, basically the 4-cyls.

It's not too hard to convert a 2wd to 4x4 if you can get an output shaft and extension housing. Look for a 3.0 trans, it has the parts you need, and should have the correct ratios as well.

ranger 4x4 23.3T

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