I have an 85 Ranger 2wd 5spd 2.3L engine currently. Recently the lower end spun 2 main bearings so instead of the rebuild a friend donated a 2.8L from an '85 2wd 5spd BroncoII. Now I know I'm going to have to get a harness from a BroncoII or Ranger with a v6-v8. That's really not a problem the main thing I need to know. I have no IDEA what tranney he had. He said was a top loader and from everything I can find looks like the tranney will bolt right on. But, will I need to also find a new flywheel or would the flywheel from the 2.3 fit the 2.8? Also are there any workarounds for the wiring harness and can anyone think of anything I'm missing. I really want to do this drop over a weekend and want to make sure I have everything I can on hand.

Appreciate any input, except don't do it.. I'm stuck has to happen just need input how to get it done as cheaply as possible. I got about $300. on hand then the well runs dry.

Thanx in advance.