First, let me explain myself. I am a true old-style gear head. I could go on and on about what mods I have done to cars I own (or have owned, or have helped friends that have owned) but that is not relevant.

I bought my 02 Thunderbolt Ranger as a work truck for a new business I started. Lookup Dustless Blasting on Google. I did not go with their unit but went with a more expensive competitor of their equipment. Anyways, I bought the truck as a work truck with the idea that it was cool and helped sell the image I was trying to brand. I have to admit this is my first truck as my other cars are mostly 2-seater sports cars (Italian, not vettes). I fell in love with this Ranger. Trouble is it has high mileage but still pulls strong. Do I put money in this motor or start with a new one?

The Thunderbolt when new had an advertised 15 more horses than a stock XLT (I think it was 15). Since I never leave things along, I am now thinking what I can do to the 4.0 to get another 50 out of it. Boosting an old motor is always risky. I'd rather just buy a new crate motor instead due to the motor age (168K miles).

Any thoughts, experience, or opinions?

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2002 Ranger Thunderbolt
Rob D.
Florida

You could do a lot even throw a v8 in it if you want. If you look at replacing motors also remember the Mustangs had some 4.0 a also.

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1999 Ranger 4.0 and extreme Snap-on tool fetish

Moddbox sells some nice pony kits.
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...-part-1-a.html

Their website.
http://modd.me/

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2014 F150 xl 3.7 6 speed auto.

Being that your in florida and no emissions id go for the 5.0 swap. After you figure new motor and blower install you'd be pretty much in the ball park of a 5.0 swap and they are much easier to come by being offered in so many ford products over the years and the aftermarket is amazing. As far as crate 4.0 i think the best you will be able to do is a rebuilt long block. Plus you could stay true to your old gear head form and go carbed which is a very easy install in these trucks. And if your towing/hauling a lot of equipment in the long run id bet you could get better mileage with a stronger motor.

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New DD-2009 Mustang GT/CS candy apple red

(For Sale)2003 XLT 5speed swap, Hurst Shifter, STX valance SLP drop coils, thunderbolt hood scoop,Screamin demon coil, Flo-pro super v, 1.8:1 Morana rockers, Roush sway bars, SCT tuned by Fred at Rogue, Taurus E-fan, 15x8 Torque thrust wheels gunmetal on chrome, Led 06 tails and smoked HID projectors, mud flap delete, painted drums/calipers, Rear flip kit.

I've seen stroker 4.0's but their like 8500 just a thought though

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2001 edge 4.0 4x4 ext. cab blown heads new engine going in asap ordered k&n intake and performance headers both goin in same time I swap engines. Want all new exhaust and 3 inch body lift on 33's have full aftermarket sound system pioneer 4 way 6x8's in doors two mtx audio shallow mount 12's under rear seats located in Lafayette, LA