I wasn't intending to have a thread on my build because it's so common, but I figured that this might help a bit.

My truck is a 1988 Ford Ranger XLT long bed that was equipped with a 2.9L V6 and A4LD transmission. It has a lot of history, it was my dad's, and I have owned it for 7 years. The notorious head cracking happened to me around 98K miles, which I rebuilt the 2.9L with aftermarket heads, cammed, MAF conversion, the works. I planned a S/C swap, but changed my mind and decided 5.0L would be best.

Engine is a low performance 5.0L from a 1987 Grand Marquis with 120K miles. Transmission is an AOD from a 3.8L 1990 SuperCoupe.

This is it torn down:


The specs on the engine are:
.030" over forged pistons
Stock crankshaft (turned)
Stock rods with ARP rod bolts
GT40 heads
B303 Ford racing cam
1.6:1 Crane Roller Rockers
Weight and crank balanced
Duraspark dist with GM HEI module
Headman Headers
Dual plane polished high rise intake
Holley 600cfm vacuum secondary
150amp chrome alt, new ps pump, aluminum brackets
Aluminum under drive pulleys

Engine is pretty much "new."

Here are some build pics:






Finally:


Took some time, but engine eventually went in:




That's it for now, I will update more this weekend.

Pete