Motor swap

[glenny49]

Hello again. I’m thinking of using my 2.9 litre out of my 1989 ranger to go into a 1984 ranger that I have. The 84 has the original 4 cylinder but is currently out of it and it’s a 4 speed manual. The 4 cylinder needs a machine shop repair. My question is will the front of the truck sink down lower because of the heavier motor in it and if so will it be by very much. I do not want to change coil springs because I am after a better ride that the 89. Perhaps some of the members have been through this before.

 

[Blmpkn]

Believe it or not, the 2.9 really doesn't weigh that much more than the 2.3. 50-60lbs tops. It would sag a little more but.. not much.

That being said, the 2.9 isn't going to bolt up to the 4cyl transmission. You'd need to swap the 2.9 trans over as well.

 

[glenny49]

Okay good, thanks for that. I was thinking that if it did sag some I could put coil spreaders in to bring it back up, I guess they’re okay to use. I have a good automatic transmission in the 89 to use, even rebuilt a few years ago, but I would have to put a floor shifter in. Again thanks for your help.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Okay good, thanks for that. I was thinking that if it did sag some I could put coil spreaders in to bring it back up, I guess they’re okay to use. I have a good automatic transmission in the 89 to use, even rebuilt a few years ago, but I would have to put a floor shifter in. Again thanks for your help.

Don’t use coil spreaders. Ever. They can result in broken coil springs or be ejected from the spring at high speeds. Use a new coil or washers/spacers under the coil. Much, much safer.

 

[glenny49]

Thanks for that bit of good advice lil blue.