Had a 88 ranger 2.9l 6 cylinder
have a 90 ranger 2.3l 4 cylinder
91 explorer 4.0l 6 cylinder.

the 90 ranger is the only that one not wrecked... the 2.3 needs a head gasket job. I have these 3 engines. I figure im going to have to spend money to get this thing fixed.... So if i gotta do that which engine should i plop into this puppy. Anyone have a favorite ??

its a manual trans.

I suggest the 4.0
but, are you swapping tranny with the engine?
if not, you would have to check which engine will bolt up to the tranny.

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2007 FORD RANGER XLT EXTENDED CAB - 4.0, 4x4, 5sp
Ultragauge, 10" L7 W/ 2200W PA Amp, CB W/4' Fiberglass whip, PA system, LEER shell w/led 3rd brake and custom remover, LED taillights in mudflaps, 5K 55W HIDs, Aux reverse lights, DIY bed liner, Hellas, Bed mat (cut up livestock mat).

X2

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2000 Ranger XLT 3.0L V6

Rancho 9000XL's

I suggest the one with the lowest mileage.

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Cree Proverb

~Draw me not without reason, Sheath me not without honor~ 17th century swordmaker Gallegos

~1994 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4-Banger 217, 000+miles~

Thanks for the replies!

the explorer is a 4 X 4 auto ... where do i find the specs to see if they will mount with each other.

I agree with you guys for the most part, i mean bigger better right? But the reason why i ask is i read each of these engines have there own issues and to get any real power they are real money pits.

Is the 4.0 the best bang for your buck? Considering i have all three engines and all have to be rebuilt. I figure the truck is not in use now now since it wont smog, so this is my project.

The results i want from this project is a daily driver but... right now the engine had no balls with the 2.3L which made it depressing to drive main reason why i don't want to keep it. So id like good power without going completely nuts on it. what are some realistic number can i expect?

When i rebuild the engine what do you suggest? Got any master kits you guys like and should i get the block machined? know any good places to send it? Also when u machine the block does that mean the cylinders are slightly bigger than stock so i have to increase ring size? This will be my first engine rebuild =D please excuse any stupid questions.

4.0. period. the 2.9 trans would be the only option for sharing bolt patterns. however, the 2.9's trans isn't geared the same, nor is it built to handle the torque of the 4.0.

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Krylon Fusion is for Amateurs.

the 88 has an auto trans and the 90 ex has an auto trans. so I cant use the transmission cause it wont handle the torque?

So what do i do?

i would use the 4.0, sell off some of the other stuff, then buy the trans you want.

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Krylon Fusion is for Amateurs.