Put a 2.3T and a T5 trans in that thing - you'll have no regrets. Keep it simple - big intercooler (powerstroke or volvo), manual boost controller (20psi), 3" straight pipe (stacks?
), and a 40bob.com manifold. Bulletproof setup. :yes:
Here's a friend's truck I helped build (NOT a bulletproof setup...)
(July 09, 2005 - EEC-IV Merkur computer and a stock merkur T3 with a Dodge turbo II compressor wheel/housing swap. INSTA-SPOOL. At 18 psi, it got rubber in 3rd from a roll.)
(January 1, 2006 - Megasquirt-n-Spark Extra running TFI ignition and a Holset HY35 on the '85 turbo longblock. Bob's Log with a custom external wastegate mount on it.)
(March 13, 2007 - here's where it started getting a little less reliable... 95+ dual plug head on the '85 turbo shortblock with MSnS-E and EDIS ignition with dual Dodge Neon coilpacks...)
(July 19, 2008 - this is right before he sold the truck to another friend... it's still running MSnS-E with the dual plug head on the turbo block. Weird square intake plenum shit going on here. Bob's Log got swapped out for an SSAC/Stinger header. I guess the log was kinda warped, which made removal/installation a bitch.)
(Had to use the Thunderbird TurboCoupe clutch master cylinder because the stock Ranger cylinder didn't have the cojones to move the slave on the TC bellhousing.)
(Junkyard 8.8 with posi from a 4.0L Ranger. This one had drum brakes. You can get a disc brake axle from an Explorer, but you have to flip the spring perches.)
(Stealthy slant-cut 3" pipe)
Rangers are badass. ;D