I have a 90 ranger with a 2.3 it is bodydropped, air bag suspension, convertible,and everything has been shaved on it! I took it to a shop to have the air bag suspension put on it and it came back running all crazy! The only thing that would keep it running was if i sprayed carb cleaner then it would run for a bit then die. running really rich too! I would drive it then park it in the garage and after 2 or 3 days it would be dead! Dead battery? I took it back to the electrical shop and they could not find anything drawing from the battery? If I put a 302 in it will this take care of all of my problems or do I have to fix this charging problem? I am wanting to put a 302 out of a 96 explorer in it with a c-4 transmission. Would I want to put a painless wiring kit in it? I have alot of questions so if you guys can help me out I would really appreciate it. I took it back to the electrical shop and it ran for 3 days then died again! I want to put a 302 in it now! I SPENT ALOT OF MONEY ON THIS THING AND I CANNOT DRIVE IT! Thanks in advance! Sorry for the long post just wanted to give some background on my truck! Help!
Do you plan on keeping the fuel injection or switching over to a carb? I ask because it will determine the direction for wiring. You'll have to switch computers over to operate the 302 unless you carburate the 302. In which case the wiring becomes a bit simpler.
There is a lot of info on the ranger forums. I ordered info from a company that specialized in S 10 and Ranger V 8 swaps. I did my own 302-c4 swap. I did a 2 in body lift to get more room, I used maverick V8 motor mounts and stock Cast iron manifolds, Made my own frame brackets for the motor mounts, I had to hammer the firewall flange and heat the heater box with a big hair dryer type heat gun and deform it to get valve cover clearance. the oil filter and fuel pumps have interference. either get a remote oil filter and rubber hoses to put it in an easy location for oil changes, or use a 460 van oil filter castings , it will let you rotate the filter , 70's something econoline vans with AC and Ps use and upside down looking fuel pump or get an electric one . I used a 5.0 mustang drive shafts parts and did not have to have one cut.
The simplest and cheapest thing to do would be to diagnose and repair the battery and running issue you currently have.
Changing an engine and pursuing a buildwith a 302 is a definite upgrade , but hoping it cures a battery drain and a no run condition is like amputating a leg because you have a headache.
Fix what you have first , get it running , learn something in the process. After yo get it running, think about the 302 build and do your research on the build.
I have seen too many guys get "into" a build and have the car scattered 60 ways for sunday only to get sidelined by something and then the project gets sold.
Thanks guys for your input! I appreciate it very much. I have replaced alternator, starter, battery and computer. I am still having this charging problem it has to be a ground wire! 20 people have looked at it and 2 shops! I cannot believe we cannot figure it out! I was always going to put a 302 in it and now I was thinking that maybe this would fix itself by putting the new carburated 302 engine in it.
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