Guys, I need help on deciding what engine to put in my ranger either a 2.3 ecoboost, 4.0 from explorer, 5.0 from explorer, 350 small block, or 302 small block. I’m kinda leaning on the 2.3 because it’s reliable and not to over kill but I won’t if it will do just fine for years as my daily it’s currently lifted 4inches with 31s which one is the better option for reliability and long lasting PLEASE HELP

 

Welcome to the forum

2WD or 4x4?
It matters for the 2.3l ecoboost because only 2019 - 2021 10R140 automatic with transfer case would bolt to it, no manual trans option
Same issue with the 2.3l Duratrec, no 4x4 option
Although...........if you wanted to do the extra work you could use a 2.3l Duratec transmission(5R55E or M5OD-R1) and convert it to 4x4 by changing shafts, a bit of work for the 5R but can be done
And the transmission from a 2.3l Duratec will bolt to the 2.3l ecoboost
The wiring would be quite a chore, but its just wiring
This would be a "deep pockets" swap, because the just the basic parts, engine, computer, transmission are expensive

The older small blocks, Chevy or Ford, in my opinion, would be better choice if MPG wasn't the biggest concern
The Explorer 5.0l(302) swap has been done many times so no big surprises, even stock it has enough power/torque, but there are lots of upgrades for this engine
The 302(5.0l) is only 19" wide and 21" tall, so can be fit between steering shaft and heater box in Ranger engine bay, but barely
The 350 is 22" wide BUT 30" TALL, so could be made to fit with some modifications and a BODY LIFT so you could close the hood
2WD or 4x4 trans and transfer cases are available

If your 1988 has a 2.9l now, then swapping to a 4.0l OHV(1990-1994) would not be very hard, same motor mounts and current transmission would bolt up
4.0l SOHC would also bolt up but more wiring would be needed, same for 1995-2000 4.0l OHV

There have been some diesel engine swaps, good power and good MPG

 

What are some good diesel swaps for this truck
is 2wd

 

Google: Ford Ranger tdi swap

Its been done quite a few times, so there are some "heads up" so no BIG surprises, there are always small ones, lol

The 4BT swap is the big swap
Google: ford ranger 4bt swap

 

Im really lenient for the 2.3 eco boost swap because of reliability and it gives me the power I want to be a daily driver and MPG. But I’m open to other options but my question is, is the 2.3 a possible swap

 

Sure, why not?

Google: 2.3l ecoboost swap into ranger

2.3l ecoboost swap build thread here: https://www.therangerstation.com/for...thread.177914/

As said it will be a "deep pocket" swap