351w swap questions?

[Sandlin84]

well im new to the fords...ive had a few v8 s10s but i though id try something new so i got my 84 ranger...i got my truck with a 302/c6 and i bought a 351w for it and im having trouble with things like headers...i dont know what transmision i want to go with and what rear gear i want to use...i tried another forum already and i couldnt even any replies none the less any help...so any input would be great so i can make some progress

thanks,matt

[Soul]

Check out MRE books ranger swap book. As far as trans and 351 will fit np depending on how you center it on the mounts. For headers only thing I know of are custom made and to go outside the frame rail. Might get away with manifolds and have pipe duck around frame but I doubt it.

[Sandlin84]

yeah ive looked everywhere for headers and cant find anything so i guess ill just make some fender well headers since ill only have a 3.5 inch front wheel...but any tips on transmisions and gears because i was thinking about swapping to an aod so i can run a little higher gear but im just not sure

[Soul]

I'm going to be running an AOD with 3.73, are you making street truck

[carvinmark]

Mine has a 5 speed and I will be running a 3.73 gear in a 9" for the street. Windsor motors have been a problem in the header department from way back when I had a pinto with a windsor, I ended up running OE manifolds. I just passed on a nice windsor a couple hours ago because of no avaliable headers that I know of.

[Soul]

http://www.mre-books.com/ranger.html

I bought this when I started my project. Helped alot, you can find 90% of this on the net or be lazy like me

[Dave]

They about summed it as far headers go for the 351, custom or stock cast iron manifolds (preformance killers). You could just build up the 302 like Soul is into a 331/347 and make header selection a little easier. Other problem when using the AOD is finding headers that will clear the 164 tooth bellhousing. Soul is still looking/thinking about this also. Doing one of these sways, you get something figured out and then something else comes up and bits you in the butt.
Dave

[Sandlin84]

well the truck going to see more street time than anything but ill still take it to the track....so do you think the aod is a bad idea since i already have header problems? because it looks like my only option is fenderwells....i wanted the aod so i could run like a 4.10 or 4.56 and not run the **** out of it all the time...but i guess im just gonna go with 3.73 cuz that sounds pretty popular..so do you think i should just stick with my c6 or get a c4?

[plowboy34]

I would stay with the AOD. If you already have to go through fenderwells the AOD will be of no effect on the headers. We run an AOD on the boys with a 5.0 and have no problems. We just love the AOD for cruising speeds, it helps fuel mileage tremendously. With 3:45 rear gear we pull 18mpg in town and 22+ on highway. If I was to do another one and automatic was the way I was going it would be AOD without question.

[carvinmark]

Never ran a AOD but sure would give it a try. I used to run a C6 in my drag car, switched to a C4 and went faster. Not sure exactly how much more horse power it takes to run the C6 but it seems like about 85 more HP. I would either run the AOD or a C4.

[plowboy34]

A c-4 will definitely run faster than a c-6 Even those running 460's at the strip will use a c4 just cause you lose less power through one. If your not gonna run an AOD I would definitely go c4, easier fit and almost as tough. The c6 is a great pulling automatic and tough as they come but it takes a little more ponies to make it turn.

[Sandlin84]

well i guess im going with an AOD then...it sounds like the way to go..and i think ill go ahead and try some 3.73's out and see how i like it...how time consuming is and 8.8 swap?

[Soul]

Depends what you get the 8.8 out of. Another ranger is a bolt in, explorer involves cutting and moving spring perches, and shock mounts.

[cgrey8]

There's lots of old threads talking about the difference between an Explorer or Ranger 8.8" upgrade.

[Sandlin84]

well i got an 8.8 out of an explorer with disk brakes and 3.73's with the locker....but i decided i want to maybe go ahead and do i 5 speed swap so does anybody have any suggestions on a good 5 speed to go behind a 351w?