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BIG BLOCK RANGER !

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Posted by: NOS/86

i'm building a big block ford ranger . has anyone else on here tried anything like this before ? i should be setting the motor and trans in ,in the next few weeks ... the truck is a 86 . and it looks like it'll fit easy . motor is all stock . till i find out if it'll work right ,then i;ll build it a little . the truck had a 302 in it , then the guy i got it from had a 440mopar in it . and got mad and pulled it out . so i bought it . any help ??? thanks .


Posted by: Tang

All I can tell ya about that, is hit www.google.com and search search search. I wouldn't even know where to start.


Posted by: Grape Ape

Try V8Ranger.com too.


Posted by: KingofSlackers

Damn as Tang knows I have always wanted to drop a 302 or 351 in my Ranger...but a big block just post some pics of the process and finished product!!!


Posted by: NOS/86

i'll see what i can do ! (pics) it want look like much .... i just really want to see if it will work . i hope to be going with it in the next couple of weeks ... i got slowed down . (wifes driver set me back $2 grand for a tranny ) so the ranger got put on the backburner ...(hehe)


Posted by: merczephyr

The only BB Ranger I've seen up close was a total custom job. The inner fender panels had to be cut, custom to piece header on the drivers side to go around the steering shaft, Firewall was cut out and set back 3 or 4 inches. Not an easy job. I've swapped a 302 into a ranger and that was tight, with swap headers (Basically a large diameter Log style manifold), had to block the fuel pump pad and plumb in an electric pump, etc. Modified a ranger hydro clutch slave cylinder, modified bellhousing from a mustang II 302, and some "light touches" on the firewall with a 5lb sledge...It was kinda cool when done, but I don't think I'll do that one again.


Posted by: NOS/86

a 302 or 351 is not that bad in a ranger ..... man they make all sorts of headers for them now . is the truck your talking about a black one ? if so it looks kill . my truck has no innerfenders , has manel brakes,stiring . plus i'm going to run the stock manifoilds for right know .


Posted by: NOS/86

btw , the guys at v8ranger.com and another ranger site told me i was crazy and stupid for even trying this swap ....... so i'm going to do it just to do it now . also they hooked me up with this guy that goes by (bigblock) has a ranger with a 460 .... them he showed me some pictures of a blavck ranger that was done by a ranger web site .


Posted by: merczephyr

No it wasn't that bad, but this was about 8 years ago, using a 1985 Ranger, when these swaps were just getting noticed. I used a Kaufmann Performance Kit. It wouldn't have been bad, but I put a toploader 4 spd. in it rather than an automatic. The Bigblock I saw was a white one, at a car show in Iowa.


Posted by: Slimjim

Hey You need to goto www.rangerpowersports.com/forum And check out the V8 forum, a few guys have done it, im in the process of doing it.

Its kinda hard to fit the big blocks in, but SVT fit a 5.4 so, it should work with a little rearrangeing of the firewall.


Posted by: Grape Ape

RPS blows(not that V8Ranger is much better). Most sites do though... Not all of them can be MMC.net!

Fitting the BBF in isn't such a huge problem. The thing is, a well built 302HO can be a much better deal. Less expensive from stem to stern, more room to work with later, especially where waterpumps and radiators are concerned, and much less low end, tire shredding torque to hassle with.

Let me know what you end up buying for headers. I just don't see stock manifolds making the cut in there. Can't say it isn't possible, but they aren't the correct fit at all and I think you'll have to get aftermarket headers, want to or not, for clearance reasons. Just make sure when you set the engine in, that you can tun the wheels BOTH WAYS, all the way...


Posted by: NOS/86

it'llrun ,

will do man !hey i got the big 460 for free ! and i don't have much at all in the ranger .... so this is how this got started ..(hehe) plus i thought it would be cool . cruz up with a ranger (stock sounding v8) on a sat night . and shred the tires at will ...... even with a stock motor . i think the manifolds will work , but not sure . if not i have a set of (cheap) 460 headers sitting here at the house , i could cut up and make work if i have too ... then if the whole combo works ok . i'd pay someone like (ZMAN) to build me a good set of headers . and i could build the motor a little too .

just just think , burnouts till the damm tires blow .......could be fun !


Posted by: NOS/86

thanks for the input guys ! good or bad .


Posted by: Grape Ape

You may have to cut the body or fender wells to make the headers fit. You might even have to make them, thanks to the frame. I haven't done a 460 Ranger and probably never will. It sure seems like a tight fit though, and although 11secranger doesn't seem to read the forum much, he might have some additional input.

A few days ago, I got an upclose view of how tight a 460 fits into a Fox Mustang, as we removed it. I would only expect the frame itself, to be the issue in a Ranger. What year is it anyway?


Posted by: NOS/86

it's a 86 ranger . i've allready took the fenderwells out . no heater , race seats , manual brakes , manual steering, radiator suport cut out for a bigger radiator (to sit inside the suport ) . 8.8 rear out of 96 ranger with a eaton posi and a 3.73 gear

should be fun !


Posted by: Grape Ape

Yup. Should be fun.

The 86 is prolly different then the 89-92, but those can use a stock 1990 4.0 auto radiator.. No cutting required. Why I like that is, you don't have to guess if the thing is full, or take 15 minutes to fill it. Most aftermarkets I've seen have a quircky(sp) turn to 'em at the fill spout. The 86 could've had an 8.8 in it(factory), but that was an STX standard feature and I think the others would've had to be ordered with it. Whatever though. It's in there.

The only real concern is the frame itself. I've seen peoiple cut the frame for a simple 302 swap...

PS: I just talked to An11secranger... The 460 drops in with no mods to the frame. He's someone who knows.


Posted by: NOS/86

thanks man for the info and suport !

the only problem i see might be with the exhast . ???? the rest isn't that bad i don't think .

what does the 11secranger guy think about it ?

the truck is mainy going to be a driver , i think the frame would break if i tried to hook it ! (hehe)


Posted by: Grape Ape

He's not been clear really... He likes big blocks, but he's quite happy with a 302HO in his own daily driver. He's also into power steering, brakes, etc...

W/O those, he's thinking the 460 should drop right in though. He's sure it won't hit the frame, but I can tell ya this... You'll need to beef up the suspension to handle the torque. Ladder bars, if not a full coil over. That is, if it's not already done. I can't remember if you've mentioned it. I wouldn't worry much about the frame though. They're pretty strong and they will flex a bit. The only real thing I'd look into in addition to what you've said, is a rack and pinion steering system. The I-beam is very heavy. Too much weight on the front for me..

He's on here. Send him a PM and ask.


Posted by: An11SecRanger

Quote:
Originally posted by NOS/86
what does the 11secranger guy think about it ?

He thinks you're NUTS!
My personal opinion is, the 460 isn't what I would install for a daily driver. However, this is MY opinion and that's YOUR truck. I'm sure you get the idea here.

Quote:
Originally posted by NOS/86
the truck is mainy going to be a driver

If you were going to race it (and do all the things that one would do to race it), I'd be inclined to say it's a worthy swap.

Quote:
Originally posted by NOS/86
i think the frame would break if i tried to hook it ! (hehe)

I wouldn't worry about that, with a stock 460. I've put over 500 ft.lb. of torque to the ground with mine and my frame is stock. Well, it's amost stock. I did remove a cross member, which I never replaced.
Anyway, the 385 series engine will fit (as stated) and that seemed to be your main concern.
I used to have pics of one with a 385 series in it (it was a 429), with no mods to the frame and nothing major done to the firewall (no holes and it wasn't moved back). The steering was factory stock and all that good stuff.
Unfortunately, I lost those about a year ago.

Here's a good place to start finding information about this swap.
Ranger Station There is a link to MRE Products on that page. MRE Products has a manual about the 460 swap. I haven't read it, but it might be worth buying (@ $12), if for no other reason but to give you some more insight about what you're getting into. <~#1 reason swaps don't get finished ... The "I didonodat" syndrome.

Here's another place to find some information. Ford Forums. At least, ONE person there is doing this swap.

Good luck and takes lots of pics! It CAN be (and has been) done!


Posted by: NOS/86

ok thanks , i ordered the swap book . and i'd seen that site before . i really would rather have a 302 in the little ranger , but i really don't have the money to build another one right now . so i have a FREE 460 sitting here with 330hp . and a light ranger sitting here . 1+1=BIG BLOCK RANGER .

I'VE GOT EVERY THING FIGURED OUT EXCEPT FOR THE EXHAST !

but i guess a swap book will have a few ponters in it . just to help out .


Posted by: RacingJason

I think it will be tight as hell but I would do it if I were you! I love odd swaps too, I just sold my last Franken-Monte several months ago. It was a 500" Caddy engine with a built 200r4. Loads of torque and idled like a pussycat!
I also have a fox body car that had (and will have again) a Boss 302 style Motor...those headers were designed by Satan himself! Take the engine out to change the starter! Ha!





Posted by: NOS/86

thanks , i like the odd engine swaps tooo .... (hehe) isn't bigger better ? maybe i need to put one of my little 302's in it . (hehe) i just hate too. you know go 9's in the 1/4 ! with a little ranger .

but i don't want a lot of money in this project . (a sleeper )


Posted by: Grape Ape

The 200-4r is an outstanding unit when built properly. Gotta love WOT O/D!

A 460 in a Ranger is bound to be fun, but you'll wanna figure out what to do with the traction issues you're sure to face. Maybe a powerglide tranny... Costs, but it sure helps on the launch when you have high torque. And it's much less money than other really good trannies.


Posted by: bigblok86gt@Yahoo

Putting a 460 in a ranger is easy I had an 87 with a 460 the swap sites are too complicted about it
1. First you need to do a 1 inch body lift this can be acclomplished with hockey pucks they usually cost about $1.00 apiece And this is a common thing to use in stock car racing
2. You will also need 460 swap pan for a foxbody mustang
3. Also needed is a oil filter relocation kit that mounts with the oil lines paralell to the block
4. This will also require some c-channel to use as frame mounts You will have to measure for proper engine height but use factory motor mounts from a late 70's era t-bird or similar body
With this setup I used a 460 with stealth intake and 1-inch spacer under carb recessed base air cleaner and C-6 with factory trans X-member in forward frame holes and it fit under stock hood (good sleeper)
Also used truck exhaust manifolds off of 70's truck needed to clearance frame on passeneger side
Also loosen steering column bolts and slide towards drivers door all the way, Anyways this involved no fir wallmods


Posted by: Grape Ape

Hey... Is 2 1/2yrs later a record or what? Just curious.


Posted by: merczephyr

No shit. That reminds me, where's 11SecRanger? Haven't seen him around in a long time.


Posted by: Grape Ape

I see him about weekly, but he works alot these days... Tryin' to make the kids lives easier. I'll tell him he's been mentioned.


Posted by: BigBlockRanger

Ok, so what ever happened with the 460/Ranger project?

Doing mine right now.


Posted by: Grape Ape

Donno, but that's a project truck that needs more changes to the rear than the front! I like the idea on paper, but the amount of rear suspension needed for even a moderate 460 is mind-boggling. Ladder bars, new or severealy upgraded rear(if the 8.8 was factory) etc.


Posted by: BigBlockRanger

Rear upgrades are definately a necessity considering the stocker is a 3.73 geared 7.5" limited slip unit.

Rear suspension will be leafs + caltracs. Diff is gonna be a Mopar 8.75 (3.23 or so) with a spool.


Posted by: Grape Ape

Mopar rear? That's completely pointless. I mean, there are more combo's available with a Ford rear, and the Ford rear is stronger as well as cheaper. I guess you had the Mopar lying around. I would look for a Ranger 8.8 and upgrade it. True bolt in capability. If you went to a 9" Ford, even more gears choices are available. A spool is a great idea for any racer with torque though!

An11secondRanger has ladder bars and he's only got a 302 under the hood. He's broken those twice that I know of. You'll need big mods for 460 torque.


Posted by: BigBlockRanger

Being a Mopar guy too, I already have a bunch of Mopar diffs, parts, gears, specialty tools, etc. The 8.75 is a drop out center like a Ford 9" and will handle plenty of power.

The Ranger 8.8 is a 28 spline diff and unless you get one from a 1st gen 4.0L truck, it will also be a couple of inches wider. The Explorer 8.8, while being a stronger 31 spline unit, is about 3" wider which is unacceptable. A Mopar A-body width housing is just right and after relocating the spring perches, will be a snap to install.

Then you factor in upgrading to aftermarket axles, c-clip elimiator junk, having to lie on your back to swap gears, etc, etc, it just makes more sense to me to use the Mopar.

Besides, the wheel bolt pattern is even right. LOL

I'm quite sure the caltracs and leafs will be fine. There are LOTS of guys making more power than I ever will using them with no probs.

Ladder bars break, that's a fact. Actually, the rod ends in ladder bars break. That's the exact reason NHRA requires ladder bars to have the safety loop on them now. They can and will fail if you don't keep a close eye on those front rod ends, especially if you do any street driving. I plan to drive this thing somewhat and don't want to have to have that worry in the back of my mind.

Thanks for the input though.


Posted by: Grape Ape

Well since you have one already, it's not so bad. Relocating perches bugs me. Too much like work. There was a Motorsport Ranger 8.8 available years ago, but they no longer make it. Even so, 31 spline axles are fairly easy to get. I know many guys have swapped to the Explorer version and that's fine too, but like you said, it's wider. I believe it's only 1.5" wider though, and when you cut for C-clip elims, that's gone anyway. When I did it on my 8.8, it only took me about an hour. The bothersome part was cutting straight and grinding to "perfect" the process.

Many also go with the 9" Ford, but I don't care for that in a daily driver and you have to swap axles for most swaps using that too. That rear was used in so many models for Ford, it got design changes over and over again. This surely means new perches for that as well. It can be stronger than nearly any other rear available, but that will cost too much. Besides, I like the 8.8 in basically any Ford these days, except those already with a 9.

The rod ends are the weak link in ladders, so anyone using them does need to pay close attention. I think An11 modified his second set, which he either ordered or made from some seriously thick chromemoly. That's from memory through our concersations though. I've looked at his setup, but not for awhile now and I never really paid much attention to the beginning product. He considered a coil over, but that just isn't worth it imo. I'm pretty sure he quickly scrapped the idea himself. We used to talk about that truck alot and I've been lucky enough to drive it. I can't even consider driving it like he can though. Anyway, good luck with your project.

Btw, I haven't really talked to him this week, but I'll let him know he should get online soon if possible, to say hello and maybe add input or correct my errors here.


Posted by: An11SecRanger

Quote:
Originally Posted by merczephyr
No shit. That reminds me, where's 11SecRanger? Haven't seen him around in a long time.


I'm still alive, thanx.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBlockRanger
The Ranger 8.8 is a 28 spline diff and unless you get one from a 1st gen 4.0L truck, it will also be a couple of inches wider.
I'm quite sure the caltracs and leafs will be fine. There are LOTS of guys making more power than I ever will using them with no probs.


I thought the Ranger width was the same forever. I haven't been paying attention, though. What I've forgotten is sad.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBlockRanger
Ladder bars break, that's a fact. Actually, the rod ends in ladder bars break. That's the exact reason NHRA requires ladder bars to have the safety loop on them now. They can and will fail if you don't keep a close eye on those front rod ends, especially if you do any street driving. I plan to drive this thing somewhat and don't want to have to have that worry in the back of my mind.
Thanks for the input though.

I use the safety loops. It's simple to do and my truck hooks about 1000 % better (with ladder bars) than it used to.
I like Caltracs, but something about that setup wasn't right. I think the biggest problem was the springs are above the axle housing. I can't remember now. I recomend flipping the shackles before you install the caltracs. Of course, this will lower the rear of your truck. Rangers handle much better with the shackles flipped.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grape Ape
I know many guys have swapped to the Explorer version and that's fine too, but like you said, it's wider. I believe it's only 1.5" wider though, and when you cut for C-clip elims, that's gone anyway.

Not quite. It's 3" wider. However, more back spacing will solve this problem.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Grape Ape
I think An11 modified his second set, which he either ordered or made from some seriously thick chromemoly. That's from memory through our concersations though. I've looked at his setup, but not for awhile now and I never really paid much attention to the beginning product. He considered a coil over, but that just isn't worth it imo. I'm pretty sure he quickly scrapped the idea himself.

I broke torque rods (MANY torque rods), not ladder bars. And I do have coil overs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grape Ape
Btw, I haven't really talked to him this week, but I'll let him know he should get online soon if possible, to say hello and maybe add input or correct my errors here.

Hows that?



Posted by: merczephyr

'Bout damn time!

Welcome back to the connected.


Posted by: An11SecRanger

Quote:
Originally Posted by merczephyr
Welcome back to the connected.


Thanks! Too bad I can't stay. I've been here 3 times in the last week, but after today, I must return to reality.


Posted by: merczephyr

Why, losing your internet connection? It helps to pay the bill every couple of months...


Posted by: Grape Ape



He can't get DSL where he lives, so he chooses not to be online(currently). We'll see if he cares at all in the coming year.


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