2.3L ('83-'97) Engine Swap question

[RangerReviver1990]

Hey, so I got a sort of random question. So my 4.0 violently blew an oil gasket the other day, rendering my truck undrivable. And there is big talk between my dad and I of either taking the motor out and replacing the gaskets and give the engine an overhaul while it’s out or straight up replace it, and I was thinking…how difficult would it be to stick a smaller motor like a 2.8 4cyl in it? Would there be any pieces of the engine bay I would have to convert like the engine mounts of something? Or like, anything drastic?

 

[scotts90ranger]

From a 4L to a 4 cylinder all sorts of things have to change like transmission (If A4LD I don't remember if they have removable bellhousings), frame side engine mount brackets are unique, some rewiring unless you have a same year donor rig... can be not bad but could be a pain, definitely not a weekend project.

If the 4L is just leaking oil I'd probably just pull it, do all seals from valve stem seals to front and rear main and oil pan and even intake gasket and such, if it runs well not sure if I'd go as far as hone and re ring but it would be tempting...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

From a 4L to a 4 cylinder all sorts of things have to change like transmission (If A4LD I don't remember if they have removable bellhousings), frame side engine mount brackets are unique, some rewiring unless you have a same year donor rig... can be not bad but could be a pain, definitely not a weekend project.

If the 4L is just leaking oil I'd probably just pull it, do all seals from valve stem seals to front and rear main and oil pan and even intake gasket and such, if it runs well not sure if I'd go as far as hone and re ring but it would be tempting...

Or just buy another 4.0

 

[RangerReviver1990]

Or just buy another 4.0

Yeah, that would make more sense. I just had one of those “what if” kinda moments, hopefully just replacing my oil pan gasket doesn’t spiral into more stuff

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yeah, that would make more sense. I just had one of those “what if” kinda moments, hopefully just replacing my oil pan gasket doesn’t spiral into more stuff

If its running good and just pissing oil it shouldnt.