Hey all. I see so many people asking if it can be done. Well, I am doing it. I will posts more info as I go. There is plenty of room. I am using a 98 CV PI I got for $200. I am currently in the process of wiring now. I will be posting more pics tomorrow. Thanks! I may make motor mount kits and headers and sell them as a kit. I will have to gauge the interest though.

Sure it can and has been done - do some searching and reading in the V8 areas, and you'll see. :)

I have only seen the lightning motor in a Gen 1 but there was no information about how it was done.

Do a write up with pics!

Here are some pics of the engine in. I also have a pic of the PCM installed, you can see the wiring as well. I decided to run my own fuse box for power to the PCM, fan, alternator and fuel pump. I am going to run a frame rail pump and return to the tank via factory 4.6 return and fpr. I have the radiator installed. I included a pic of the clearance between the box and where the water neck/oil filter unit will be. The driveshaft was nice. All I did is get a 354 u-joint and put the slip yoke from the CV on the Ranger driveshaft, and I was good to go. I wish it was this easy for everything else.

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/engine.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/radiator.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/adapter.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/computer.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/sideeng.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/driveshaft.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/rearend.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/radclear.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/heater.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/wiring.jpg

Could you include info and any pics on some of the major points of the swap? Like motor mounts, steering box and shaft, headers, etc.

Geeez. 5 posts to your name and you already have your very own sticky. Of course this comes with a price. And that is keeping this thread updated with info and pics.

EDIT: Actually, we will keep this in circulation for awhile so it doesn't get missed. Then it will be a sticky.

Yes, I will get that info up for you as soon as possible. I have the pics already, and will go into later today for everybody.

WOW! For just asking the question the other day you're really moving forward. Most people that ask questions like that are just asking questions, not actually ready to start! Hopefully the headers won't be too hard to fit - with the engine being wider than a SBF, they will just be that much closer to the frame rails and such. Looking forward to the continued progress! :)

Here are some of the early pics and parts I've did already. Including mounts.

I will be making my own headers. The steering will remain factory. I had to make no modifications to the frame, firewall or anything. (I did bend the seam on the firewall for ease). I used a factory ford f150 2wd mount for the passenger side and made a cradle on the frame for it. On the drivers side I made a custom mount to mate the block to the factory ranger mount. After my first trial fit. I raised the motor an inch, and to the passenger side about 3/4 of an inch for clearance reasons. I will make a new mount on the drivers side eventually. I used the factory Crown Vic tranny crossmember and just shortened it and bolted it to the frame.

Like I said. After I have this running, I will perfect the mounts, and other parts. I will make kits to install SOHC's in the 80's era Rangers. I am moking my own headers, the are going to run out side the frame, then I will put a collector and run side pipes. So the frame, and steering are not issues. Thanks for the support so far guys!

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ds.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ps.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/frontroom.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/drainplug.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/f150mount.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/mymount.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/passcradle.jpg

WOW DUDE! Major props!!!!!

damn. this thread makes me want to keep my truck.

Gotta love manual brakes! That makes the driver's side clearance easy. For the passenger's side are you just eliminating the HVAC case?

Excellent progress!

PS, enjoy the header project. I spent way too much time and money on mine, but I do love them after all! Once they are done and coated, it gives you a good sense of accomplishment.

Updates!

Today I got some big stuff done. The electrical and wiring is getting wrapped up. I installed the data port and powered up the PCM, starter, and the motor. I turned it over today. I can't put much oil in it yet, still no filter adapter. Along with powering up the PCM and motor I also wired in relays for the fan, fuel pump, and an extra for down the road. I had to wire up the data port. It will be nice to be able to scan, and read data for diagnostic reasons. Besides, 85 and OBDII is to cool. Heres a pic of the fan, and battery installed. Yes the core is notched to make the fan fit, but that's how I wanted the fan.

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/fan.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/battery.jpg

you arent wasting any time are you! damn!

Gotta love manual brakes! That makes the driver's side clearance easy. For the passenger's side are you just eliminating the HVAC case?
I don't know about your's, but my Ranger never had HV(High Volume) A/C :biggrinha Even when the A/C worked.

No, I'm trying to get it going. I still have a lot of finishing work I am skipping along the way. But I want to get it running first. I have a busy weekend, but I think I will have it running Monday. Assuming the parts I need show up!

Dang that this is as wide as my 460 (545), only with about half as many cubes.....

Good luck with the swap.

I don't know about your's, but my Ranger never had HV(High Volume) A/C :biggrinha Even when the A/C worked.


Na, my 1999 has great working A/C. I assume by your High Volume as opposed to Heating, Ventilation, the older trucks A/C system was pretty poor? I have gone through great lengths with this project to keep all stock accessories / functions.

Keep up the good work! BTW, how did you get around PATS? Did ther engine control you are using not have PATS or did you add it?

Keep up the good work! BTW, how did you get around PATS? Did ther engine control you are using not have PATS or did you add it?

The car didn't have PATS. But if it did, you just hard wire in a bypass module like you use for a remote start. Or simply zip tie the key to the sensor.

Welcome to the Sticky Club.:thumbsup:

Thanks! I got the fuel system completely done and plumbed today. I had to pull the tank to put a return line in. I happen to be fortunate and have a tool that makes vinyl lines, so I used the factory lines from the motor for the quick connect portions, and added from there. I am still waiting for my oil filter adapter, but as soon as I get it. I should be good!!!

Sorry for the delay in posting. I got a steering system off a 91 Nissan Pick-up. It uses an outside frame rail box, and is power. Locating the box outside like this eliminates having to use any relocating adapter for the oil filter/water neck. It also allows me to use power steering and I will not have any clearance issues. I had to modify the frame some, and make some custom ends. It wasn't to hard to do. I will get some pictures posted here very soon.

Okay, sorry for the delay here guys, been really busy and haven't had a lot of time. I have got a lot done. The truck runs and drives, it is getting close. I made some changes and got some pics. I got the headers made, got the belt, hoses, and cooler lines hooked up. I made a shifter, and got the intake made. I simply bought mandrel bends of 45, 90, and 180 pieces. I then tried and tried until we had a good fit. They worked out pretty well, I got a bung in the collector fot the O2 Sensors, and they are ready for side pipes. Here are the pics.

The Air Intake a simple job, especially with all the others.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/airintake.jpg

A look at the belt, all we did here was eliminate the A/C and route the belt differently.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/belt.jpg

Here is a look at the steering shaft, it ended up being a straight shot. As previously stated, I used a Nissan pickup setup to mount outside the frame. I simply installed the Ranger outers into the Nissan inners.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/steershaft.jpg


Okay the next few are of the headers, from test fit looks to pics of the final product.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/testfit.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/drvside.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/dsdone.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/DSHDR.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/passside.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/PSHDR.jpg

I will get some more pics up soon and go over some more of what I have done!

Those are some awsome looking headers. Glad to see you got the steering all figured out.

Where in Minnesota are you? We'll have to try and meet up sometime next summer.

Keep up the good work.

Greg

Thanks Greg! I am just north of Minneapolis! It would be great to meet up, that would be fun! It will be ready by then!

Damn, thats awesome that you can figure that stuff out... Congrats.. I'm jealous.

Thanks RangerRaider! I appreciate it. It just takes time. I haven't had enough of it lately to get to far, but it is coming along now!

Those style headers kinda look familiar....

:)

http://www.460ford.com/viewtopic.php?t=8791

Aren't project trucks fun?!

Yes, it does look like something familiar, I started from scratch, and worked from there. It was a project!

Those style headers kinda look familiar....

:)

http://www.460ford.com/viewtopic.php?t=8791

Aren't project trucks fun?!


Did the smaller tires fix your turning clearance? I rub slightly but will also be running a smaller tire, with a better offset.

The only bigblock swap i did was a 351ci in a 79 pinto (and i will never do that agin)Don't ask...lol

My question is, what is the dry weaght of your motor and do you or are are you going to change out the front springs?

I had a question on the steering box but you answered it before i got to the bottom of the sticky....GREAT WORK!

Let me know when and if you get a kit together. I think you have convinced me that it's not as painfull as one would think however we all know building without a kit and doing it trial and error is quite painful in itself.

Thanks for induring the pains of fabrication and passing on the info to us.

My question is, what is the dry weaght of your motor and do you or are are you going to change out the front springs?

I had a question on the steering box but you answered it before i got to the bottom of the sticky....GREAT WORK!

Let me know when and if you get a kit together. I think you have convinced me that it's not as painfull as one would think however we all know building without a kit and doing it trial and error is quite painful in itself.

Thanks for induring the pains of fabrication and passing on the info to us.

As for the motor, I don't have the exact wieght here, but the 4.6 barely weighs more than the 2.3 that was in here. It doesn't squat of sit lower then it did. That said my plan is an air suspension system. I will get a kit together. Right now it will be for the 85 body style and for 4.6 and auto in 2WD. I can easily make a 5-spd version as well. Headers will depend on what you want. Everything I make in the kit will be better than what I have now as well. The learning process at it's best! I enjoy this kind of work, so if I can help someone with this, great!

Alright here are some more pics. I got the exhaust mostly done. Just have to do the tail pipes!

first is a belt pic. NO A/C so a different route, and smaller belt.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/belt2.jpg

Here is a pic of the Nissan steering box, lines hooked up. Just compression fitted the Ford line to the Nissan line.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/psb.jpg

Here are pics of the Drivers side exhaust. I saw a few Rangers with side pipes, decieded I didn't like it. So instead some 3" pipe and Flowmasters!

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/dsdown.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/dsout.jpg


Here is the passenger side!

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/psdown.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/psexh.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/psout.jpg

Here are a couple shots of the truck! It is a convertible. I bought it that way. I am making a hard top for it.

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/frnt.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/back.jpg

Thats awesome! There is a guy around here with a Mazda thats a convertible and he has a 5.0L in it.

A convertible Ranger with a 4.6, talk about being creative. Looks good. :thumbsup:

man when we going to get some video of this thing i want to hear it run and reaving. and some of just crusing down the road. let me no pm about it thanks

I will get some video of it running up soon. I am getting some body work and finish work done now! It won't be long!

Very nice ranger. Great work too! I would blank out your license plate on some of those pictures...

I was gonna, but it's not even the plate for the truck. I have new ones that are different. So I figured I'd leave it.

Wow that exhaust looks awesome!! Do you have any pics of your 75 ford with the 390?

First off, I do have pics of my 75. I will post a few up soon.

I will start with some pics of the steering changes.

The pics are of the box, tie rods, and idler arm.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/box.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/tierod.jpg
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/idler.jpg

Okay, so next I was looking at the rear brakes and rear end. So I put a new locker in, sorry no pics. Camera was broken. But I also deceided to upgrade the rear brakes. I bought a 95 Mustang rear end for $75.00 and swapped the parts. I had to modify the backing plate mounts to fit for space reasons. I simply cut the bottoms off so I could slide them over the back side of the axle mount plate. I also made a plate to put on them for strength reasons. Here are some pics. This is a very easy mod for rear disc brakes. I also had to repair my housing and fix it correctly. The previous owner lowered the truck. When the flipped the axle they didn't relocate the pin mount, the let the axle rest on the alignment pin on the springs. So I welded the hole I found shut, and cut off the mount and relocated the bracket so it was on the spring! Also didn't want the axle moving. I also reset the pinion angle slightly.

Here you can see the Mustang mount plate, and my add-on
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/bracket.jpg

Here is another angle.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/fullback.jpg

This shows the spring mount moved, and the mount welded on for the brake hose.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/mount.jpg

Before I started.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/bare.jpg

A picture of the caliper mounted, and the bracket for the caliper shortened slightly.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/cal.jpg

Those old useless drum brakes.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/oldback.jpg

Here's a pic of my new tires! Still have to buy wheels.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/tires.jpg

Not trying to be a jerk, but that short tie rod tells me that thing is gonna bump steer you right into the next lane. I hope it does not, but that's what my gut is tellin' me. Good luck.

Already drove it down the road just to see. It was fine so far. I didn't go but around the block, and I never got over 40. So we will see.

damn man i cant wait to see a video of this thing..im thinkin about doin a v8 swap in the future...i love the 281's but the 302 is easier and i dont have a big bank for this so i might just stick with the idea of a 302

Off subject, but a couple shots of my 75 for Motocyco!

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/2574000-2574999/2574991_1.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/2574000-2574999/2574991_6.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/2574000-2574999/2574991_7.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/2574000-2574999/2574991_3.jpg

I SOLD IT! :-(

Okay guys. I haven't been getting a lot done on the 85 with the Pinks project and all. But, I have got a lot of requests for mounts. I have a kit that uses a nice rubber mount for the 4.6 or 5.4 motor, and brackets for the subframe. I will sell the whole mount kit with instructions for the 83-88 style trucks. I am working on what is needed for the newer ones, as well. For headers, I will make customs. The catch, I need your truck with motor installed. It's the only way to get them perfect. PM me for details.

Ran across this little gem this morning by accident.

This might be an option for others. Instead of modifying the steering box, etc, bolt this on and relocate the coolant & oil lines.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/mor-23681_w.jpg

Well, lately it has been about body work and the like. I did slap the new wheels and tires on and take it for a spin. No weight on the back, it just goes sideways and spins! But fun none the less! Here's a couple pics with the wheels on. As soon as I figure out how to use this video I took, I'll get it up. It's a vid of it running and the exhaust.

The box is almost done as far as body work, I'll throw some pics of it up later. I am redoing the convertible part of the truck and some previous body damage repair. The previous owner, not so good at it. Also, the convertible conversion used just plastic covers. It was quite weak. It was all fixed with welded in plates and welded on caps. It will be much more sturdy. Also threw the roll bar in. Don't know why, but it seemed pretty logical! Now, if I could figure out this video!

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/int.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/wheels.jpg





Oh yeah JP3, I looked at and thought about that, but it still leaves some issues. Especially at $160. Plus all the other AN fittings and lines you need. But, it is a great product! The whole steering thing you hate, I wanted to try. I figure if it doesn't work out, I'll just go Mustang II! For those who are interested in it, look it up on Moroso's website.

The body work is almost done. Then I will get my stuff all redone. I changed ISP's, so I will repost all the pics here too!

How's the truck coming along?

Matt

I will be getting it home from my shop hopefully tomorrow. I will snap some pics and show you. I have to pull the rear end still to shorten it. That is all that is left as far as mechanical work...

Okay, got all the old pics back up guys! I will post some new ones soon!

Ok, so you all know where I am at here. I have the body work done. I am assembling now. I did change to the 91 Body style as well. I think it will look really nice that way to! Here are some pics of the new color and body work!

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/block1.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/block2.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ranger 001.jpg

This is the frame before the 91 conversion.
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ranger 002.jpg

This is what you need to do to the frame to make it work for the bumper!
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ranger 003.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ranger 004.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ranger 005.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ranger 006.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ranger 007.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/ranger 008.jpg

you have some issues with the img tags

It's comcast actually...

Okay, fixed now...

Moved them to my server, and changed all the links! Gotta love comcrap.

A couple new pics. Lights on and grill on! Sorry not the best, I have no lights in my garage yet!

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/frthalf.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/frthlf2.jpg

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/sidehlf.jpg

Getting there! Wish I had more time to work on it though!

Going to the yard tomorrow to get some brackets, and install the bumper.

I will take a vid of the truck running and get it up!

Well, ran outta time today. I'll try for tomorrow.

WoW this is sweet! Ill use this for a reference point when i install a Lincoln Mark 8 engine in my Z!

Here's a couple pics of the truck. I still have to finish the rear end so I can get my wheels and tires on.

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/001.JPG
http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/002.JPG

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/angledone.JPG

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/backangle.JPG

hey. nice truck. what all was needed to swap drom the 85 frontend to the 89-92 frontend?

I left the 85 inner fenders. Which needed some minor mods. Then just attached new core to the modded inners. Then bolt the rest on. Last was to cut the end of the frame horns off. I just bolted the bumper brackets right to those.

I have some more pics of that stuff it you'd like.

yea. that would be very helpful. pictures never hurt anything

I'll get them up asap.

truck turned out awesome, i to also have started the 4.6 conversion, I have no ecu for it now, what do you recomend for the euc, or did you just use a stock one. Also what were your issues with fuel delivery, did you just use the ranger fuel pump etc. etc. etc. THANKS

I used the stock one, that would would be your easiest route. I used a inline fuel pump since my truck was carbed originally. Your pump should work just fine!

I finally snapped some pics with the gate and bumper on! I'm quick...lol

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/001.JPG

http://www.ngsforums.com/ranger/002.JPG

so what are ur plans for the top? are you gonna do a removable hard top?

I am doing a hard top, yes.

Just curious, if you have ever tested, what kind of mileage do you get with this conversion?

I really wish I knew how to do all this kind of work...

Just curious, if you have ever tested, what kind of mileage do you get with this conversion?

I really wish I knew how to do all this kind of work...


I tested once and was getting 21 mpg overall. I could do better, but the gas pedal get's stuck down a lot...

21 is still pretty good though... I mean, my 4.0 gets about 16, my friends 2008 focus gets like 29, so 21 is pretty good... The DOHC 4.6 would get a little better even right?

I think it'd be about the same...

Any updates thus far?

Just sitting in the garage frozen...

Haven't had much time to work on it. All this snow has made for very, very busy...

If you make some extra headers and motor mounts let me know I have a 4.6 out of my mustang that im puttin a 5.4 in just settin around and have been thinkin about puttin it in my ranger

I won't make extra just to make them, but if your wanting I can help you out.

Lol sorry that came out wrong I read earlier in the posts that you might be makin a kit and sellin them for anyone interested so just sayin if you make some to sell let me know

I'm selling it. Here's the link to the ad here:

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2176340#post2176340

Is your next project going to be a Ranger or are you wanting to build something different?

Well, I have a 68 Torino I started on and need to finish.

But I'd like to get a 98+ extended cab 4x4. I'm thinking about a 4.6 4x4 swap...

A 4.6 4x4 would be pretty cool.

I think so.

4.6 4x4 is fun :naughty: