Hello All,
I've been a Ranger-lover for quite some time and am now on my 3rd one. My dream Ranger, I don't think exists. If I were to have the ranger of choice, it would be a '98+ ranger, 4 cylinder, 5sp manual, extended cab, and a 4x4. If it does exist, I have yet to see one. Being 6'3", the extended cab is a must.
I currently own a '97 2.3L ext cab 5sp. (rust free!!)
I saw a recent ad on Craigslist recently that got me thinking. It's a rare '98 3.0V6 extended cab with a 5sp manual and 4x4.
I had a thought, "what if I got that truck, and swapped out the 3.0 V6 with a 2.5L 4 cyl?"
Has anyone done that before? Does the 5sp manual on a 3.0V6 bolt up to a 2.5L? Does it bolt up to a 2.3L? Looking for some knowledgeable input.
If someone has done this, what were the main notable hurdles / challenges? Or maybe, it's just a baaaaaaad idea (with regard to the scope of the project...not just because of the decrease in power by going to a 4cyl)
(Please leave all the controversy of 4cyl vs 6cyl aside. Let's keep this result-oriented please. The 4 cylinder is my personal preference as I've had great reliability with them over people that I know of that have had v6's. You're welcome to your preferences as I am mine
)