http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...er_ranger.html

I've read this and related articles hundreds of times, check them out, they are very helpful

__________________
2001 XLT 4x4 4.0L V6 SOHC Supercab 4-door, Stock, for now

Yeah ive read a lot of articles too
I just started this thread back up to get my brain thinkin about it again

__________________
2003 ranger edge 4x4
3.0
3in front torsion key lift
2in rear leaf spring shackle exstention
33x11.50
10" sub

If only it were as easy as the article makes it out to be

__________________
2001 XLT 4x4 4.0L V6 SOHC Supercab 4-door, Stock, for now

woah woah woah. hold on.

That makes zero sense. that means when i finish rebuilding my 1958 oldsmobile 371 engine it will be a 2012 engine and will need fuel injection, cats and a control module to meet 2012 requirements.

Maybe they guy meant a crate motor from ford? I know for sure that when you swap in a newer motor to an older car, you have to meet the emission requirements for that year motor. you could use an older motor and than try to fit on all the emission stuff you need for your 2003 in order to pass but that seems it would be hard to pass visual inspection and would probably have to go to a "referee" or someone like that. i cant remember what they actual title is but basically they just do the tailpipe sniff and as long as you are running clean from the pipe you pass smog.

__________________
2011 Ranger XL Extended cab, 2x4, 2.3 L Duratec, Automatic, Mis-colored Leer camper shell, Ultragauge, LED plate bulbs, DDM "cree" reverse lights. Staying as stock as possible

Bullshit. Not only does the skinnier 4.6L 2V fit the wide as hell DOHC 4V model fits, as well as the 5.4L 2, 3 and 4V's; the brand new 5.0L 4V, 6.0L powerstroke, 460 BBF hell there are very few high performance ford and chevy motors that have not been stuffed inbetween the frame rails of a ranger.

If the OP is going to put a V8 in I would step out of the 90's and ditch the 5.0L. A stock 3V 5.4L would be a perfect ranger upgrade. 300HP/365 lb-ft stock mated to a good auto transmission that has proven to yield decent gas mileage wwith the heavier F150. You would have as much if not more into a 5.0L pushrod swap to get similar HP. Not to mention the 5.4L would be smog legal in Cali.

He is wrong as far as rebuilds. Maybe a shop rebuild with Cali smog hookups. The motor will have to be OBDII with full 2003 Cali smog to pass in a 2003 ranger.

__________________
'05 Ranger Edge SAS'd, 5.38's, D60/D60U, 38.5" TSL SX's, October 2012 TOTM, build thead

I dont think its the with of the 4.6 that makes it harder to fit i think its the length makes it hard to get it in there with everything like radiator and fans. I also dont think the a/c would fit
Ive seen a 4.6 in a pic and it was a very tight fit

__________________
2003 ranger edge 4x4
3.0
3in front torsion key lift
2in rear leaf spring shackle exstention
33x11.50
10" sub

Its the width of the heads. Length isn't that bad slim electric fans fixes that.

__________________
'05 Ranger Edge SAS'd, 5.38's, D60/D60U, 38.5" TSL SX's, October 2012 TOTM, build thead