Simple, old school drivetrains

[treegump]

This is a for fun, probably would never happen it, question.

If I had the opportunity to purchase just the drivetrain, what would be the easiest to swap into my 03 ranger.

I don't care for electronics, just simple carburetor motor. Which I figured it'd be easiest to include the transmission (torque converter if auto) and transfer case also.

So what vehicle, that is typically scrapped, could I pull and rebuild in my spare time while waiting to put it into a jeep or my ranger. And would I need to go further into the drivetrain?

(The reason I'm not posting this on the Ranger forum is because I can't find a ranger forum where there isn't knit-picking and crap that I'm not interested in.)

 

[btfarm]

Well you can never go wrong with a small block Chev/GMC, a TH350 transmission and Mustang differential

 

[treegump]

Well you can never go wrong with a small block Chev/GMC, a TH350 transmission and Mustang differential

You think that'd all line up?

I don't really see much need for a lot of power, because it's just a ranger. I was considering a straight 6, maybe the 300, but sounds like that takes up some space.

Is there a straight 4 that had any amount of torque or power (relative, of course).

I wonder if anyone has put a flathead in a ranger - probably not enough power...

 

[ak diesel driver]

The ole "Iron Duke"

 

[Will L.]

No 120 ponies doesn't do it for the flathead

 

[btfarm]

Freshen up a V6 that was original to it that probably has a few performance options out there.

 

[treegump]

Freshen up a V6 that was original to it that probably has a few performance options out there.

It's got the 4.0 V6 in it now with 210,000 miles with no sign of failing anytime soon. The thought just came across my mind on whether there was motor close to it's size that would be easier to work on OR that I could purchase and fiddle/rebuild in my shed till I needed it.

 

[Ed HD]

Don't engine swap the ranger. Just upgrade the whole truck when you're ready for more power...

 

[treegump]

Don't engine swap the ranger. Just upgrade the whole truck when you're ready for more power...

Well, I'm not so interested in more power though. I'm more interested in learning how to rebuild a drivetrain and possibly using it to replace what's in the truck now.

I don't want to worry about the electronics, and just stick with a carburetor.

The ranger is more utilitarian than a jeep. (As far as cargo space is concerned, though jeeps can go more places.) But if there's any possible way to get it better fuel mileage, wonderful!

Once debt is paid, I will be in the market for a 3/4 or 1 or 5/4 ton truck that's 4wd as my "when I need it" full-size truck"

 

[Will L.]

231 Buick v6. Th350 trans. Simple design, easy to work with. How available they are anymore, idk

Once debt is paid and your ready to get back into a diesel...
http://www.govplanet.com/Humvees

 

[treegump]

Once debt is paid and your ready to get back into a diesel...
http://www.govplanet.com/Humvees

I thought I read somewhere that a person could
only drive retired military vehicles off-road - some new law.

But than I guess if you're driving one, than that wouldn't be true unless you were grandfathered in?

Getting off track, are parts easy and relatively cheap to get for humvees?

 

[GM Guy]

after experiencing grandma's 03 Ranger, identically speced to yours, no matter the powertrain, IMO its impossible to like a Ranger.

I get better mpg towing with my 95 C2500HD than that thing gets running around locally empty on short trips.


I also have a intense hatred for carburators, but IMO the perfect balance of everything is a TBI 4.3L v-6 5 speed half ton chevy pickup. Mine towed too much, got beat on too much, and it just kept coming back for more, all at 17 mpg or more! dead reliable, never quit me, and super simple.

I also think a 4BT Cummins NV4500 swap into a gas auto equipped 2 door tahoe would be cool, then later find a clean 6.5L auto 2 door tahoe to match up to it. have the twins. one crude, one refined.

 

[Will L.]

I thought I read somewhere that a person could
only drive retired military vehicles off-road - some new law.

But than I guess if you're driving one, than that wouldn't be true unless you were grandfathered in?

Getting off track, are parts easy and relatively cheap to get for humvees?

It's up to each state DMV - some states allow it, some don't. Mine is a civilian Hummer. Most of the parts for Hmmwvs are easily available, a few things require a little looking around. A decent condition hmmwv auctions for 12-15k then needs 4-5k put in it to be in excellent shape. There's companies that are buying, refurbing,and title ing them under 30k- about 10-12k on top of what a person could DIY for, but you'd have to expect headaches like any project.

Not really the smartest choice for most people- but I'm not that smart so it works out!
The g503 site are the guys that really know the headaches involved.

One company redoing them:
http://www.planbsupply.com/#!hummers-h1-humvees-hmmwv-for-sale/c224n

Civilian Hummers the interior parts -dashboard- center console, etc are not available. Pretty much everything else is, and if you know where it came from its WAY cheaper. Hummer turnsignal switch from dealer-$550-600. Rockauto for 83 ford escort- under $50 shipped.

What about a Chevy 230/250 Straight 6? They did pretty good and had aftermarket parts like I take and headers available before. They were descent little engines and way easy to work on everything.

 

[Ed HD]

Honestly, you'd then be better off getting some sort of project car, even if it's just a shell that contains an engine to tinker on. Then you can bolt it back in and test your work!

 

[handcannon]

Treegump, check out this Kubota diesel swap thread on diesel bombers forum. http://www.dieselbombers.com/diesel-engine-conversions/94861-another-ford-ranger-kubota-v2203.html I just re-read this thread to refresh my memory about this. There are other Kubota swap threads on this forum, but you may have to go back a ways to find them.

I know you want a carbed gas motor, but you also have stated that fuel mileage may sway your descision. The Kubota V2203 apparently comes in both DI and IDI. What most of the guys doing this swap seem to use is the DI motor. I drove for a short distance the 1989 Ranger 4X4 5 speed that FTE owns and was impressed with the power his Kubota motor puts out. He also stated to me that he drives it like he stole it, and gets in the neighborhood of 40 MPG.

Anyway, check out this thread, and others on the dieselbombers site, about the Kubota V2203 and let us know what you think.

Don

 

[treegump]

Treegump, check out this Kubota diesel swap thread on diesel bombers forum. http://www.dieselbombers.com/diesel-engine-conversions/94861-another-ford-ranger-kubota-v2203.html I just re-read this thread to refresh my memory about this. There are other Kubota swap threads on this forum, but you may have to go back a ways to find them.

I know you want a carbed gas motor, but you also have stated that fuel mileage may sway your descision. The Kubota V2203 apparently comes in both DI and IDI. What most of the guys doing this swap seem to use is the DI motor. I drove for a short distance the 1989 Ranger 4X4 5 speed that FTE owns and was impressed with the power his Kubota motor puts out. He also stated to me that he drives it like he stole it, and gets in the neighborhood of 40 MPG.

Anyway, check out this thread, and others on the dieselbombers site, about the Kubota V2203 and let us know what you think.

Don

That's a cool swap! If I kept the ranger, or purchased another 1/4 ton truck, this would be a great idea for a project! Thanks!

 

[wyrmrider]

I agree with keeping the 4.0 and getting a project vehicle any switch is a lot of work and will never pencil out
stick or auto?
if auto 302 and AOD or V6
if you want to dream then a turboboost DFI 4 or V6