1990 ranger engine swap question

[cipsmithers]

Hi all, my cousin has a 1990 ranger, 4.0L, very fresh rebuilt automatic transmission (as in a month ago, like 250 miles on it), 4X4. Her dad is looking at some different options for engines, and was casually thinking about putting a crate 302 in it. My question is, will the transmission bolt up, and if it will, would it stand up to the 302. The 302 would not be very built, as my cousin is a new driver and probably couldn't handle the power. It might even be temporarily de-tuned slightly.

 

[Raptor22]

Automatic? Its an A4LD, and it should handle the power. Its a decent transmission.

 

[john112deere]

What auto transmission is it?

Definitely a different bolt pattern between the 4.0 and the 302...maybe some of the earlier transmissions you could find a bell that would make it work, but I'm not sure. Newer ones, I'm pretty sure won't work at all.

*Junkyard 4.0 sounds like an easier/better option for this truck, though...pushrod 4.0 was used in just about every Explorer up to ~'99 (I think) so it shouldn't be too hard to find a low mileage one that'll drop right in without much headache...

 

[cipsmithers]

I think its a 3 speed with overdrive. Not sure which tranny that is though, this is so not my area of expertise.

 

[cipsmithers]

Its major problem is heads. He could replace the heads, but then something else will go wrong, thats how this truck is. He just wants to drop a new engine in it

 

[Raptor22]

Its major problem is heads. He could replace the heads, but then something else will go wrong, thats how this truck is. He just wants to drop a new engine in it

Go ahead. The Transmission will be fine, but if you could find an AOD or an E4OD that would be better

 

[john112deere]

Don't be so sure, Conner.

If it's OD, I think that's the A4LD...and while nothing is impossible, there ain't no easy way I know of to connect that to a 302.

 

[Raptor22]

thats why i said get a compatible and much stronger E4OD or AOD.

 

[CowboyBilly9Mile]

It will not bolt up, the bolt pattern is different. But given that A4LD's were not exactly famous for longevity, you should be able to sell it without too much trouble. Get a 5.0, tranny, and the rest of what you need out of a wasted Explorer if you want to do a swap.

*IMO, this vehicle is 19 years old; personally I'd just drive it or if it absolutely had to have another engine I'd see a wrecker for another 4.0. Putting a 5.0 in a 19 year old truck is MOL the same amount of work as a 9 or 4 year old truck, except that if you had a newer one it would presumably have less miles and be in better shape, thus making the swap more rewarding.

 

[cipsmithers]

Yeah well im not thinking he is wanting to do the transmission swap. He doesn't wanna put a whole lot into the truck, mainly cause my cousin is gunna have to pay him back and she don't have much money, and it isn't anything special. Personally, I wouldn't do it only cause she doesn't really need it, and I think with that much power she would wreck it. Its a cool swap, but not for her.