'01 Windstar 3.8L into a 1994 Ranger xlt???

[Willhall]

So as the title suggests, I'm wondering if I can fit a 2001 Windstar 3.8L in to my 1994 Ranger. From what I can find online all I can come up with is a lot half answers( by that I mean nothing definitive with those two exact years). I know it'll take the 4.0L and a 5.0L so I'm assuming that size would mot be the issue, so if is possible, what would be the biggest issues to overcome??

 

[bobbywalter]

If you stay on top of the oil pump issues.


It can work.....same as a 302 swap for the most part.

 

[pjtoledo]

3.8's evolved into 4.2's. both have 2 different bellhousing patterns. the FWD variants are the same as a 3.0 Vulcan.
check the power specs on both engines, the 4.2 has good numbers for a V6.
size wise, the difference between a 3.8 and 5.0 is the FRONT of the engine, the rears are determined by the where the transmission is.

 

[19Walt93]

I'd suggest doing some research first. The 3.8 was introduced in 82 for Mustangs, LTD's, Tbird's and F100's. At the 1982 new model school the instructor told us that a 3.8 weighed 6 lbs more than a 2.3. They originally had only head gaskets with everything else sealed with RTV and they had oil leak problems. Once Ford fixed that they were good until they changed the coolant flow path for front wheel drive applications, then the head gaskets started failing in big numbers. If it's true that the Windstar 3.8 uses the vulcan bellhousing pattern(I don't know), and if your truck is a 3.0, that will make the installation easier IF you can find a flywheel for the combo. The light weight would be a plus but I suspect that a 4.0 would make as much or more power and be an easier swap, a 302 would make a lot more power at the expense of weight and effort. As to "will it fit?"- any engine that will fit in your wallet can be made to fit in your truck.

 

[Willhall]

Thanks for the reply, this engine from the Windstar, and its price are the reasons I'm considering this at all. Its a very low km engine for the year, 2001 with just a little over 100,000 km. Include the fact that I can get it from a friend for $100 or so, if it can be done it would keep the bottom line within what I can afford. I will need to find a transmission but besides that and the normal expenses one incurres during a engine swap, ie.filters, fluids, gaskets, etc. There is not a lot of expense. Ultimately that is my main goal. I am not affraid of the work and I have or at least have access to every possible tool that may be needed. I'm mostly worried about the large year gap. And the fact that I have never heard of it being done before.

 

[bobbywalter]

You would need a trans?.... The only reason I would attempt it, is because I had a brand new 3.0 trans and the engine suddenly failed.....



The problem is it's setup for front drive in terms of ancillaries, for coolant flow.... induction, exhaust ....actual mounting bosses ect.

If it was an Ecoboost, it's worth the Hassel.... those Windstar slugs.....no thank you.



I vote no. I begged one of my friends not to do this, but he did it anyway......he was wise enough to use a rear drive version....


So when the inevitable happened....a 5.0 now tickles the 4r70....,

And he is putting a 6r80 in it now.


What I begged him to do was a 3.7 6r80.......

And before it's over....

I have this odd feelers....it's gonna have a cyclone in it.

 

[bobbywalter]

Just an odd feeling.....

 

[8thTon]

Just an odd feeling.....

They have ointments for that.

 

[adsm08]

so if is possible, what would be the biggest issues to overcome??

That the 3.8 is one of the worst engines Ford ever made?

 

[sgtsandman]

I would also recommend not using a FWD engine in a RWD based vehicle. The engines are setup differently, even if the base engine is the same. It would be better to find and engine made to be used in a RWD vehicle.

 

[Willhall]

Well thanks for the info from everyone, from what I know personaly and from what you said on here I think I'll wait and find a good 4.0 or a 5.0 and save myself the headache of making this one work. As I'm getting the feeling that its going to be just that, making this fit, making that work, adjusting this, changing that.etc.etc. so thanks to everyone again.

 

[adsm08]

If you are really set on an Essex family engine a 4.2 would be better. It isn't a much better engine but it was in the F-150s, do you can grab a complete power train.

 

[Dirtman]

You'd be better off using a delorean 2.8...

 

[19Walt93]

The 3.8 was used in the 82 F100 with a 3 on the tree and a 2.75 rear gear. Not a hot set up in the New England hills, I think we sold 2. Unrelated-the F100 had Crown Vic front brakes and 5 on 4 1/2 bolt circle wheels like a car. Made sense, they had the cargo capacity of a car,too.

 

[bobbywalter]

The 3.8 was used in the 82 F100 with a 3 on the tree and a 2.75 rear gear. Not a hot set up in the New England hills, I think we sold 2. Unrelated-the F100 had Crown Vic front brakes and 5 on 4 1/2 bolt circle wheels like a car. Made sense, they had the cargo capacity of a car,too.

they learned it from dodge.....