Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 04-02-2016, 07:15 PM
Mrad87 Mrad87 is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 36
Default 2003 2.3 to LS swap

Hey guys, my friend and I are planning a LS swap into his 2003 2.3 ranger. My first question is about converting to a return style fuel system. What year did the ranger switch to returnless? And can I use an older sending unit assembly to add a return to the tank and just plumb a line?

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-03-2016, 08:17 AM
win win is offline
Ford Motor Co
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 169
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

Never fear! Even the "returnless" system has a return.

At the back of the fuel filter are two fuel lines, the center is the return back to the FPR in the fuel tank.

All you've got to do is pop the FPR out of it's socket in the fuel pump assembly and then graft the return from the engine to that hose at the back of the filter.

A "pre-returnless" Expo/Ranger filter replaces the newer style and you're in business.

Oh yea, Ford went to returnless starting in '98 on the Ranger, '99 in the Expo.

Last edited by win; 04-03-2016 at 08:22 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-03-2016, 12:40 PM
Mrad87 Mrad87 is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 36
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

Ah that very good to know. That will make this easier. Thanks for the info. Now I wonder if the ranger fuel pump will keep up with the v8.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-03-2016, 02:18 PM
Mrad87 Mrad87 is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 36
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

And also on the 2003 2.3 does the coolant temp gauge get a signal from the ecu or from its own sender on the engine?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-03-2016, 03:10 PM
win win is offline
Ford Motor Co
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 169
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

I'm not sure on the '03.

I know on the 02, the temp gauge is direct off the sensor, and on the 04, it's not.

I think the '03 is the same as the 02, at least RockAuto shows the same temp sensor for both the '02 and '03 (but not for the '04).

You'll want to stick with the original Ford sensor, even if you need to get a threaded adapter for it
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-03-2016, 03:41 PM
Mrad87 Mrad87 is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 36
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

Excellent. Very helpful info thank you
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-03-2016, 04:54 PM
Big 4.0 power Big 4.0 power is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,726
Default

Nice to see someone LS swapping a ranger, will there a off topic thread of said ranger?
__________________
2002 xlt 4x4 Hines ward edition
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-03-2016, 05:08 PM
Mrad87 Mrad87 is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 36
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

Once we get further into it I can post updates on it. I'm going to start building the engine this week then we will start sourcing parts for the swap
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-03-2016, 07:32 PM
Saves Saves is offline
huh?
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 510
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

i wouldn't put any money on your stock fuel pump being able to feed an LS series engine. Start looking at an in line.
__________________
2011 Sport 2wd || Doestch Spindles || Shackles || Rancho RS5000 || 32" BFG AT KO2 || Method Holes || MBRP SS Catback || Airaid Intake || Hurst Shifter || BiXenon D2S Retrofit || LED Fogs || Detroit Truetrac || LED Conversion || Hella Supertones || Chrome on Black Emblems || Bushwacker Bed Rails || SwingCase Toolbox || In Bed Bike Mounts
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-03-2016, 08:00 PM
Mrad87 Mrad87 is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 36
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by Saves View Post
i wouldn't put any money on your stock fuel pump being able to feed an LS series engine. Start looking at an in line.
Ya I wasn't really expecting it to feed enough fuel. I'll be looking at inline pumps. Will just have to figure out a way to remove the intank pump but still use the sending unit assembly as a Pick up.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 04-03-2016, 08:52 PM
stateranger stateranger is offline
Mr H....A....P...P....Y👿
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,911
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by win View Post
Never fear! Even the "returnless" system has a return.

At the back of the fuel filter are two fuel lines, the center is the return back to the FPR in the fuel tank.

All you've got to do is pop the FPR out of it's socket in the fuel pump assembly and then graft the return from the engine to that hose at the back of the filter.

A "pre-returnless" Expo/Ranger filter replaces the newer style and you're in business.

Oh yea, Ford went to returnless starting in '98 on the Ranger, '99 in the Expo.
Not all ranger returnless were that way, mine was just 1 line coming from the tank with no return.
__________________
2014 F150 xl 3.7 6 speed auto.

Quote:
Originally Posted by pk9298 View Post
HELL TO THE NO!! Abort abort abort!! That's the first thing to go!!! Ewwwww! I'm not no vampire! I don't enjoy red tea
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-03-2016, 09:01 PM
Mrad87 Mrad87 is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 36
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by stateranger View Post
Not all ranger returnless were that way, mine was just 1 line coming from the tank with no return.
Well if it has no return I was thinking maybe an older sending unit with a return will fit directly in.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-04-2016, 09:47 PM
Mrad87 Mrad87 is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 36
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

Ok another question, does the speedometer on an 03 get the signal from the trans or the rear diff?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-05-2016, 05:54 PM
win win is offline
Ford Motor Co
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 169
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

speedo signal is generated by the PCM using a signal from the trans output shaft sensor.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-05-2016, 06:11 PM
Mrad87 Mrad87 is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 36
Default Re: 2003 2.3 to LS swap

So aftermarket speedo it is
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
engine swap 2003 ranger 4.0 Dblugil@comcast.net 4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech 2 02-17-2016 09:44 PM
Swap parts to 2003 RidinClean Exterior Tech 7 10-27-2014 09:39 PM
2003 5.0 V8 swap questions JUSTA40RANGER 8-Cylinder Tech 7 09-14-2012 02:19 PM
2003 valance swap rangerdanger77 Exterior Tech 1 04-27-2012 07:52 PM
2003 Ranger engine swap. 2003XLT 8-Cylinder Tech 8 02-03-2012 01:39 AM