1998 Ford Ranger 2WD base model
4.6 dohc V8
Cobra prototype intake
4R70W automatic
aluminum driveshaft
8.8 rear w/4.10 trac-lok
Lakewood traction bars
Explorer buckets
Fiberglass tonneau cover
Rear auxiliary fuel tank (no mid-ship)
'98 Explorer wheels
Uniroyal Tiger Paws
255/60/15 rear
235/60/15 front

This is my '98 Ranger. It was your basic fleet vehicle, 4 cyl, 5 speed, 2WD, short box, and no options. In this picture there's no engine, trans, or hood and all the engine compartment items are in the box.

At the same time the Ranger was retired from daily use my wife's '94 Mark VIII was also taken off the road. I really liked the way the 4.6 dohc performed in the Mark and decided to see if I could stuff it in the Ranger. This picture is of the 4.6 getting ready for final install.

The intake I have on the engine is kind of a rare item. In 1993 Ford put the 4.6 dohc into five Mustangs to be used as test mules. The intake is a prototype for the '96 Cobra Mustang and has the casting date 2-27-93. I like the fact that it is smooth with no Cobra logo.

Here's the 4.6 installed in the Ranger. Despite it's large size, it actually fits rather nicely. There are no mods to the firewall, frame, or suspension. I did lose the AC, but that was never a concern for me. I tucked the radiator under the core support only to make room for the Mark's electric fan. The rest of the underhood items remain in their factory location.

The most difficult parts of this swap are the headers and steering shaft. I was able to build a steering shaft that clears the 4.6 using all Ford parts. The headers were more work. Currently I'm using a pair of extremely modified aftermarket Cobra headers. Once the Ranger is up and running I plan to build a custom pair that will fit this swap much better.

The goal of this swap is to build a dependable street truck that will lay down some respectable quarter mile times. If you'd like to see a little history of this swap check out www.rangerpowersports.com in the V8 forum.

Page 2: Parts and mods