Ranger & Bronco II V8 Swap Guide

Need a V8? A quick guide to getting more power.

A basic 302/5.0 or 351W swap should take 50-70 hours if using the components listed below. Before starting a conversion, we recommend that you check local and state vehicle regulations to ensure the modifications are legal. James Duff Inc cannot be held liable for any vehicle modifications since all conversion components are intended for off-road use only. Click here for warranty information.

When converting your Ranger or Bronco II to a V8, many of your stock components can be reused. However, it is easier and cheaper to purchase a complete "take-out" engine from a wrecking yard that already has the necessary components and brackets. If you cannot find one of these motors, we have provided a list of accessories and brackets to assist you with your conversion. You need a belt system using three belts to gain sufficient radiator clearance.

There are 3 popular options for engine swaps:

Carbureted 302: For '83-85 trucks with the carbureted 2.8, this is the easiest swap. On later models, it is nearly impossible to pass emissions with this setup. Refer to the following information for the modifications necessary for installation.

4.0L V6: On '86 and newer 2.9L V6 equipped vehicles, this is essentially a bolt-in swap. The 4.0 engine control computer, engine wiring loom, cooling system, and transmission should all be swapped in. This engine makes 170 hp, and can be upgraded with a Duff Power Chip, a free flow air filter, and even a supercharger.

5.0L V8 (Fuel Injected 302): On '86 and newer 2.9L V6 equipped trucks, swapping in the 215 hp 5.0L is similar to the 4.0L swap, in that you'll need to take the engine control computer and engine wiring loom from the donor vehicle. The modifications necessary for installation are mostly the same as the carbureted 302. If all emission equipment is retained, most states will accept it as emissions legal.

It is possible to swap in a 351W with many of the same components as the 302, but tight clearances make this much more difficult.

TRANSMISSION

The original Bronco II and Ranger transmissions are too weak to withstand V8 power and must be swapped for a heavier duty transmission. You have the option of changing your Manual truck to an automatic, or vice versa at this point.
In '83-'84, some vehicles came with a C5 automatic. In these vehicles, a V8 torque converter and bellhousing can be installed on the C5, though we suggest buying a stronger C4 originally used with a V8. Then have the C5 main shaft and tailhousing installed in the C4. A used C4 trans should cost between $75-$200.

WATER PUMP

There are two different belt systems, serpentine and "V" belt. Your pump should have an intake spout on the driver's side to match our radiator. The serpentine belt is reverse rotation, so you must keep the belt system your pump came with.

POWER STEERING PUMP

You can use your stock power steering pump by using the correct brackets, found on most Ford passenger cars, 1978-86. You need the correct V8 pulley for proper belt alignment. Original length hoses can be used on most conversions. For your convenience, we've provided the Ford part numbers below. 2wd will need to modify a V8 bracket to fit.
Ford P/S Brackets........#E7TZ-3C511-A
Ford P/S Pump.............#E6SZ-3A674-B
Ford P/S Reservoir.......#E1FZ-3A697-A

ALTERNATOR

Your stock V6 alternator can be kept by using the correct V8 pulley, alternator bracket and adjuster. If you are replacing a 4 cyl. engine, you should purchase a V8 alternator to provide the correct amperage. Ford Alternator Mounting Bracket...#E7TZ-10A313-B Ford Alternator Adjuster Bracket....#E6AZ-2888-A

AIR CONDITIONING

If your vehicle has air conditioning and you wish to keep it, the heater box on the firewall will need extensively cut, though a body lift helps reduce this. The stock compressor may be used if you can find V8 mounting brackets. The wiring and hoses may need to be extended to reach the new compressor location. The AC condenser must be relocated to the front side of the radiator to clear the fan. The center vertical bar in the core support must be cut out to make room.

FUEL PUMP

On carbureted V8s you must use an in-line electric fuel pump with a 5-7 psi rating. In most cases, a mechanical fuel pump will interfere with your steering box. If your vehicle came with electronic fuel injection, you have an in-tank fuel pump with a 40 psi rating. A regulator must be used to reduce pressure to 5-7 psi. If a regulator is unavailable, you need to remove the in-tank fuel pump and install an in-line electric fuel pump. On fuel-injected V8s, you can retain the stock in-tank pump. If you install a highly modified engine, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful pump to supply more fuel pressure.

FLYWHEEL/BELLHOUSING/STARTER MOTOR

The starter motor, flywheel, bell housing, and torque converter (or clutch) are a matched set. V8's in F-series came with 168 tooth flywheels which are larger and harder to fit around the firewall. The 157 tooth flywheel from passenger cars is smaller and easier to fit. It is important to check your flywheel and starter for proper engagement before installing the engine.

FIREWALL

Your firewall and floor pan area is narrow and may need some slight modifications. We suggest using a 14" torque converter and bell housing to make clearance. Otherwise, a 3 lb sledgehammer can make enough room. The body seam between the floor pan and the firewall must be bent over. In some instances, additional clearance may be needed near the bottom corners where the firewall and the floor pan meet. The heater box will need to be trimmed slightly and patched to clear the valve cover.

GAUGES

When converting to a V8, you can use the stock V6 temperature and pressure gauge sending units. If your vehicle has a mechanical tachometer, you will need to have it re-calibrated for the new engine.

SUSPENSION OR BODY LIFTS

Most swaps do not require the use of a suspension or body lift. However, a 2" body lift (Ranger or Bronco II) can greatly reduce the amount of firewall, heater box, and floor pan modifications. See the Bushing section for body lift information. Reinforcing the front suspension with a suspension lift or double shocks is highly recommended.

AXLES

Front: The Dana 35 from 89-97 4.0L Rangers and 91-94 Explorers is the easiest upgrade. It bolts into the same mounting points as the Dana 28 but does require some driveshaft modifications. We also offer the components for swapping in a Dana 44 solid axle from an Early Bronco. Check the Solid Axle category for these parts.

Rear: For Rangers, the 8.8" rear axle from '89-97 Rangers is a bolt-in, with some driveshaft changes. For Bronco II's, the same axle can be used, but the spring perches have to be relocated. The 9" is also a good choice, just be sure to check it for the correct width before installing. However, most 9" axles have a 5x5.5 bolt pattern, which will need to be changed to 5x4.5 to match the front axle.

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