I got a 1984 Ranger 4x4 and i picked it up for a hundred bucks. was told it ran and needed a clutch so i put a clutch in it. and by god it runs... but, im pretty sure i am hearing a rod bearing knock. cant really hear it because the lifter tick is so damn loud. lol so ive pretty much decided that i want to just rip the motor out and drop a 302 or 289 in it..i heard that the stock 4 speed transmission will bolt right up to the 289 or 302. ive been looking around and cant find anything on it. so i was wondering if anyone has done this in a 4x4 truck. i would really like to keep the original t-case and tranny. to save some $$ if you know what i mean. I am very capable of swapping the motor. i could probably do it in a weekend if i can do enough research to know if that tranny setup will work or not. the truck has the 2.8 v6 in it right now.

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Might be able to find an adapter to make it work, but it will not bolt together as is. Usually a good idea to stick with a V8 trans anyway. My AOD (2wd tho) went in pretty strait forward, had to move the cross member forward in the next set of holes in the frame, but I think I was just lucky. Bolted right up tho.

ya. im trying to stick with the manual. hopefully i can make everything work that way i can keep the 4x4.

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Never Give In, Never Give Up. Ride Hard, Die Hard