'76 hornet 360 swap

The standard six radiator should work fine though, at least up north. Looking back I see the OP is in Florida, so it may not be quite up to task for the hottest 2-3 months of summer. The six w/AC radiator is of course a better choice. Won't hurt to run it with the standard six radiator for a while though.

The Explorer axle is 1.5" wider than a 93+ Ranger axle. The Ranger will be a better fit, but doesn't have disc brakes. Ranger 4.0L axles are the 8.8". Pre 93 Ranger axles are another 1.5" narrower (3" narrower than Explorer) and are just about a perfect fit for the AMC small cars (American, Hornet, and Hornet derivatives).  Finding an 8.8" is harder though -- it was only used in commercial vehicles and one or two special models, the 4.0L was only used the last couple years before the body change (91-92?).

All other pre 93 Rangers have the 7.5" (93+ with smaller than 4.0L engines), which is still arguably stronger than the AMC 15. The AMC 15 has a 7-9/16" (7.56") ring gear, which is a bit better, but two piece axles. The Ford 7.5" has one piece axle/hubs. Since the two piece axle/hub is usually the weak link, the Ford 7.5" should hold up well for a cruiser and occasional strip car with street tires. Same as with the AMC 15, put slicks or really wide (tub it!) sticky tires on and it gets a bit "iffy"... sooner or later it's going to break.

1989-92 Rangers are pretty much the same. I think 1990 is when they started using the 4.0, and 1991 was the first year for the 3.0. earlier trucks used the 2.8 and 2.9s.

What a bust. Hope you have better luck on the next one. I am working on swapping an V8 into an original I6, 73 Hornet. I think I have everything, but I only just sat it in and then it got cold and I am working in the drive. Be patient, one will come up. I see them all the time on Craigslist for $2_4 hundred.

Yeah, there will be another one. Im in Ocala.

ridler3d wrote: called and confirmed, drove an hour and a half south and it was sold by the time I got there. %$&@.

Just some advice don`t post something your about to buy on a forum until you get it...It has a way of selling before you get there.....