2.3L to 2.3L swap problem!!!

[Shauns GT]

I have a 91 hatch that has a blown 2.3L. I am replacing the engine with a used one from a ranger. Is there any differences that i should be aware of?
the reason i am asking is that now that i have the ranger in and bolted to the trans i cant make the engine turn over to bolt the torque converter in. the studs on the converter do poke through the holes on the flexplate and both the converter and engine turned over durring installation. help me please.

 

[Stinger]

What year ranger?

I'd say you didn't get the torque converter all the way seated on the shaft (slides over 2 notches) and now it's all bound up in there.

 

[Shauns GT]

The engine is out of a 94 ranger 5 speed truck. dont know if it was a 4x4 or not.

 

[RustBucket]

You did remember to remove the pilot bearing from the back of the crank right?

The torque converter may be bound up against it.

 

[bhuff30]

Yeah, you definately forgot to take out the pilot bearing. You'll have to either pull the engine or transmission and remove the pilot bearing and bolt it all up again.
I did exactly that this summer, but at least I was bolting the two up on the garage floor. Just as you describe, it locks up the engine.

 

[Ponycar]

If in fact you left the Pilot Bearing in the easiest way to remove it is to pack the void full of grease, use a bolt the same size as the hole, insert it, tap with a hammer and the hydraulic action will push the bearing out.

 

[Shauns GT]

Thanks guys. never even thought about that bearing. it wasnt too much of a setback as all i had to do was unbolt the trans from the engine and pull it back out. i even had the engine on the hook still. ah another lesson learned the hard way. The grease method wasnt working for me so i got even with a diegrinder and carbide bit.

 

[bhuff30]

I had to resort to a die grinder and carbide bit as well, but I wasn't smart enough to try the grease trick first. I think it would have to be a really really tight fit to make it work.

 

[RustBucket]

A socket works better if you can find one that fits the I.D of the bearing. You'll have to use an extension you don't mind beating on to cover up the socket drive hole.