[skosler]

I was going to put my 460 in a 1979 f100 swb, but to get the body work and interior done it will cost me more money than I got right now and I want to get something driveable ASAP. I would really like to get my ~400 hp 460 in a ranger, but I was wondering how much I would have to change to get it to work. I have a zf5 that I am going to use and I don't think it will fit. I also don't think the ranger stock rearend will hold up. Right now I am thinking of buying an early 90's swb single cab 1/2 ton with a 6 banger and a manual tranny. I think I could get this running fairly quickly. What do you guys think?

 

[t120r]

It better fit. Thats what I have. 1990 Ranger eith a 2.9 V6. Got a 429 with a ZF 5-speed. Mine is a 4x4 though. Thats whats hanging me up. Fitting a Dana 44 from a '79 ranger into the front is a nightmare. Almost done though.

 

[billandlori]

Have a search for BigBlockRanger, he did the swap. He made a real cool looking fuel injection system too, the thing sounds real snotty!! He has a web site that goes through the whole build too.

It isn't a quick swap though

Good luck,
Bill

 

[BigBlockRanger]

My 2 Lincolns -> Start with an extended cab truck. I wish mine was.

Stock rearend: If you start with a 4.0L truck, you'll have an 8.8 already. All others are 7.5" diffs that will probably not last long.

Quick swap? Negatory. 2 things that make this not a quick swap:

1. Headers - HAVE to be custom
2. Limited depth in the engine bay

Even by mounting the radiator *in* the trimmed-out core support, the early style water pump snout is 2" from the radiator. This requires some creative thinking in the cooling fan department.

If you want a fast swap, buy a Mustang. If you want a cool swap, get a Ranger. lol

 

[billandlori]

BigBlockRanger, you got me looking at Rangers now.

Would you advise moving the fire wall to get the engine back, or does the oil pan fit nice where you have it? I saw on one of your posts that you would use motor plates next time, that sounds like a good idea.

Thanks for your input,
Bill

 

[simsbud2]

i put a 302 in a ranger it was a bit tight,, prob to the guys who put the big block stuff in there,, i didnt want to go bigger simply because i didnt want to alter the fire wall

 

[BigBlockRanger]

If you didn't mind the sheetmetal work, notching the firewall wouldn't be a bad idea. I just wanted to do it w/o chopping into it. I tried to do this swap in a manner that could be easily followed by someone else with as little custom parts as possible. The pan and transmission mount fit great where I have the engine located. I'd use a motorplate next time just for the simplicity of it. The mounts I used were a little hard to get bolted in due to the shape of the engine x-member and I-beam pivots, but not impossible.

The engine could be positioned a tiny bit higher than mine for additional oil filter relocator clearance if necessary.

Header vs. steering shaft is a tight area, but can be worked with.

 

[billandlori]

BBR,

I guess switching to a Mustang II front end or something with a rack would make for more room for oil filter and headers??

This looks like a swap I am going to have to try!!

Bill

 

[BigBlockRanger]

The M2 front end would fix the steering box problem, but the Ranger's narrow frame rails do not leave much room for headers at all. Fenderwell headers are a must with the factory frame rails, IMO.

 

[billandlori]

10-4,

Thanks again for all the info!!

Great little truck.
Bill

 

[BigBlockRanger]

No problem! If you do decide to do one, take lots of pics!

 

[skosler]

sounds like I will be looking for a 1/2 ton.

thanks for all the info

stephen

 

[fastelk039]

It better fit. Thats what I have. 1990 Ranger eith a 2.9 V6. Got a 429 with a ZF 5-speed. Mine is a 4x4 though. Thats whats hanging me up. Fitting a Dana 44 from a '79 ranger into the front is a nightmare. Almost done though.

hell sir. I was wondering that as well. I have a 1991 ford f250 donor truck with a zf5 five speed I was going to swap everything over from leaf spring front end and rear end engine and transmission but keep it efi with the side by side duel tanks. and keep the 460 for pulling power for the location we going for search and rescue teams. any mods will I have to do

 

[t120r]

hell sir. I was wondering that as well. I have a 1991 ford f250 donor truck with a zf5 five speed I was going to swap everything over from leaf spring front end and rear end engine and transmission but keep it efi with the side by side duel tanks. and keep the 460 for pulling power for the location we going for search and rescue teams. any mods will I have to do

Using a leaf spring front is going to complicate things when it comes to exhaust. Header fotment is very tight.