2.3L EcoBoost Engine in 88 Ranger

[clouser32]

Does anyone know of someone who's successfully put a 2.3L ecoboost engine and automatic tranmission in a 83 to 88 Ranger regular cab? In addition to doing that also keeping the truck 4 wheel drive?

 

[Blmpkn]

We have a member who's putting a 2.3eb into a 98 or something.. is it @Boost Bucket ? Pretty sure.

 

[RonD]

Automatic will need to be the 10 speed model with transfer case from a 2019 and up Ranger

There were no other 4WD setups using the 2.3l DOHC or 2.3l Ecoboost RWD bellhousing pattern

EDIT:
You could get the bellhousing from a 2002-2011 2.3l 5R44E
Put it on a 4.0l 5R55E 4WD transmission
Your current transfer case(BW1350) would bolt to that
Problem is transmission control
2.3l Ecoboost computer can't run the 4R or 5R transmissions

Or you could use an A4LD 4WD trans, bell housing still fits, and only 1 solenoid to control, if 1986/1987 model and you don't really need to control it

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Or you could use an A4LD 4WD trans, bell housing still fits, and only 1 solenoid to control, if 1986/1987 model and you don't really need to control it... because they struggled to stay together behind a 140hp 2.9

Fify

 

[Boost Bucket]

You would probably have a little more engine bay room in the older Ranger, but yes I'm putting a 2.3 into a 2000. I am using an engine, transmission and transfercase pullout from a 2020 Ranger specifically to retain 4wd. To my understanding, the Ecoboost Ranger ECU contains the instructions for transmission control, so one way or another you're probably ending up with Ranger parts. Just beware - the oil pan for 2.3 Ranger is much less convenient than 2.3 Mustang, and many parts between the two platforms are different.

Mars seems to indicate that possibly another option for 4wd is M5R1, but if Ranger isn't an option your next best bet is probably a F150 2.7 which I'm sure has more parts availability: https://swaptheuniverse.com/product/mustang-2-3l-ecoboost-310hp-320lbft-turnkey-swap-kit/

I haven't done much research into to the 2.7 fitment, but the thing I didn't realize with my 2.3 when I started was that the engine bay seems suited better to a V configuration with accessories higher up. In the in-line config the AC has to be moved or removed for it to fit in the frame since the general shape from the front is more of a rectangle.

 

[RonD]

The M5R1 from a 2002-2011 2.3l Ranger can be partially disassembled and a 4WD output shaft and tail shaft housing can be installed from a 3.0l or 4.0l 4WD M5R1
But these manual transmissions are not really meant for 2.3l ecoboost power, Automatics are stronger over all