So I have a '90 LWB with a blown head gasket. Now, I plan to tow about 5000k with it but I don't see the 3.0 having much fun with that. Plus, it has 183k and a toasted radiator.

I see cheap ford cars with a 302/auto quite often. I reality I don't need the 4wd and I would convert to 2wd.

From what I know a 302 swap should be easier than a 350(what I'd rather have but a 302 is good too). Smaller in size and front distributor. I know I would need a 4spd auto with overdrive.
Since I've never done anything to this scale. I would definitely buy a whole running car.

What I'd like some insight is, I know someone knows 302s better than I, How well would a stock 302 fit? Also the oil pan?
Adding a 2-3" body lift is not a problem.

EDIT: It will be carb, no EFI wiring garbage.

Check out this thread from a few years ago:

Wire Thread

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

302s better choice then a 350 anyday....

Ive talked to a guy that put a 302 in a 82 plymouth arrow truck and he said it was a nice fit talked to a different guy with the same truck and said a 4.3 was a [censored] of a fit that involved flipping exhaust manis..... ford v8s are rather small in external dimensional size.... shouldn't be to bad I hope

I'm semi interested..... when I get my wiring harness put in if it doesn't fix my 3.0 I'm debating bout trying to squeeze the ol I6 300 in a truck wich has a lot more room..... v8 seems silly for what I need and don't know of another 6cylinder I like that's cheap.... I grew up a ford kid.... plus 300s are bombproof

I remember seeing that thread, I forgot about those pics though! Thanks! Looks like it fits well! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

engine fits-Check!
transmission fits easy with a body lift-check!
Oil pan fits with dual sump pan-Check!
oil filter relocator-check!
block hugger headers-check!

Motor mounts look simple, but the rad support was cut. Meh whatever works right <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It's a shame the pictures on these old threads are gone. It sure would help out a lot. As an aside, If you are thinking about it anyway going to 2WD, why not find a body wrecked pickup, 2WD, and switch the body onto the pickup frame? You would probably stepup to bigger brakes, and only really get into drivesahft and frame shortening. Engine and tranas mounts would be done, ......

Pics are on page 3, If they don't work for you, I saved most of them <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

A frame swap would probably look like crap when finished. IMO, not to mention ford suspension, yuck.

It seems like a decent swap, 2wd, carb, auto. I can spend around $1000+ on a 302 swap or $750 on new heads, head gasket, radiator, corroded engine parts.