Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and 
Tulsa Time
Member
- Joined
- May 22, 2008
- Messages
- 147
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 18
- Location
- Coweta, Ok (Tulsa area)
- Vehicle Year
- 1993
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- Was 3.0, IS 4.0
- Transmission
- Automatic
I have a 1993 Ranger, 3.0, A4LD, 4X4. I have never been satisfied with the power (more specifically, torque) output of the 3.0, though, in its defense, it has never been 100% as long as I’ve owned it.
The 3.0 is now dead. It has 0 PSI in the # 3 cylinder. I’m pretty sure this is due to a broken ring land. This is just a hypothesis based on the knowledge that the EGR valve has not been opening and all the accompanying detonation.
I am considering my options for engine replacement. Here is what I have come up with:
1. Replace this 3.0 with another 3.0.
Pros:
• Easy bolt in swap
Cons:
• Low power/torque
• I would have to purchase an engine
• I would need an ECM (The likely cause of the EGR issue)
2. Replace 3.0 with 4.0.
Pros:
• Improved power/torque
• I already have a wrecked truck with a 4.0 in it
Cons:
• The parts truck is a 2wd. This means I have to make a transmission decision.
o Re-use the 3.0 transmission with the 4.0 bell housing/pump housing.
Non 4.0 A4LD is not as strong
o Change the 2wd output shaft to a 4wd output shaft.
I would have to open up a known good transmission at which point I have to decide how far to take it (i.e.: new clutches etc.)
o Buy a 4wd transmission for a 4.0.
Lack of funds prevents purchasing a fresh trans
Never know how good a used trans really is
• The 4.0 I have makes some valve train noise. It may need rockers and pushrods. I will inspect the valve train once the motor is out of the donor truck.
3. V8 swap.
Pros:
• Power
Cons:
• Cost
• Fuel economy
• Need transmission, transfer case, front and rear axles, drive shafts…
So far I am leaning towards option 2, swapping out the output shaft on the existing 2wd transmission.
Does anyone have any thoughts? Is there anything I haven’t considered?
The 3.0 is now dead. It has 0 PSI in the # 3 cylinder. I’m pretty sure this is due to a broken ring land. This is just a hypothesis based on the knowledge that the EGR valve has not been opening and all the accompanying detonation.
I am considering my options for engine replacement. Here is what I have come up with:
1. Replace this 3.0 with another 3.0.
Pros:
• Easy bolt in swap
Cons:
• Low power/torque
• I would have to purchase an engine
• I would need an ECM (The likely cause of the EGR issue)
2. Replace 3.0 with 4.0.
Pros:
• Improved power/torque
• I already have a wrecked truck with a 4.0 in it
Cons:
• The parts truck is a 2wd. This means I have to make a transmission decision.
o Re-use the 3.0 transmission with the 4.0 bell housing/pump housing.
Non 4.0 A4LD is not as strong
o Change the 2wd output shaft to a 4wd output shaft.
I would have to open up a known good transmission at which point I have to decide how far to take it (i.e.: new clutches etc.)
o Buy a 4wd transmission for a 4.0.
Lack of funds prevents purchasing a fresh trans
Never know how good a used trans really is
• The 4.0 I have makes some valve train noise. It may need rockers and pushrods. I will inspect the valve train once the motor is out of the donor truck.
3. V8 swap.
Pros:
• Power
Cons:
• Cost
• Fuel economy
• Need transmission, transfer case, front and rear axles, drive shafts…
So far I am leaning towards option 2, swapping out the output shaft on the existing 2wd transmission.
Does anyone have any thoughts? Is there anything I haven’t considered?
Last edited:
