Need some compatibilty answers

Geezum · #1 03-31-2011, 12:08 PM

I have a 2002 ranger that has a 3.0 gas engine(not flex fuel) in it. Recently it started knocking so I figure I need an engine. Im having trouble locating a used engine in my price range. I found one but its in a 2004 model. I would like to know whats the difference in the 2. Can I just change a few things like the intake and oilpan and make it work. Having trouble finding answers. I would be greatful for any help. Thanks!

Pietato · #2 03-31-2011, 12:36 PM

are you sure your going to need to replace the engine? I would look into it a little more

2004xlmiller · #3 03-31-2011, 12:43 PM

x2, but if you do have to replace it, the 2004 one should just drop right in.. its not a 4.0L right?

Geezum · #4 03-31-2011, 12:46 PM

No its a 3.0 regular fuel, I found another one in a 2001 model but I was informed id have to change the intake and oil pan, no big deal but it was a lil more than i wantted to pay. I was on vacation and it just started knockin all of a sudden and wont run right, so, in all my experiences ive found its easier just to swap engines ( I usually just go to the junkyard and buy one for 5-600$ but I cant find that kind of motor close to my area) How could I make sure that a 2004 will work in it. Who coul I call or what website could I visit?

doyouquaxu · #5 03-31-2011, 01:05 PM

it will fit, i think the only thing that would be the biggest issue is that ford likes to change out the type of plugs or fittings for electrical or fuel delivery. i figured that out when i had to swap out some fuel system parts on my truck. however, if you have the old motor with the donor motor, you'll be able to just swap over the parts from the old engine to the new one.

Geezum · #6 03-31-2011, 01:10 PM

cool deal and thanks for all the info, is there anyway or anywhere I can go to make sure everything will work out?

TerrenceStuart · #7 03-31-2011, 01:39 PM

welcome to FRF, Randall!

Geezum · #8 03-31-2011, 01:45 PM

Thanks!! Im gonna need this site it seems ive done nothing but work on this thing since ive owned it...lol...But now I know alot about this one since ive worke don it alot I have plenty of practice between wheel bearings and dead misses

Botta Ranger · #9 04-05-2011, 03:00 PM

Salvage yards have books/computer programs for exchanges. How else could they operate. People are just guessing. Is that what you want?

doyouquaxu · #10 04-05-2011, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botta Ranger

Salvage yards have books/computer programs for exchanges. How else could they operate. People are just guessing. Is that what you want?

strong accusations for someone who lives across the country and has never met me.

i dont know about you, but most (if not all) of the junk yard workers around me know less about what they're selling than i do. i'm speaking from experience, different vin number codes have different fittings for fuel lines as well.

Geezum · #11 04-08-2011, 02:25 PM

Yeah, I know about the VIN code, and I know an interchange list will tell me it doesnt work just because of lil stupid things I can just use off of my old motor. Just looking for any input someone that knows or has done this before may be able to give me. Thanks everyone

Badmotorfinger1 · #12 04-08-2011, 03:15 PM

Where is the knocking sound coming from?

If it's the cylinder head, you might have carbon build up and that's cheaper to fix than swapping an engine.

If the bottom end is knocking, then I'd agree you need to swap engines or rebuild what you have.

Geezum · #13 04-08-2011, 03:47 PM

Sounds like its coming from bottom, I shut it down pretty quick onc eit started. Then when I got it home, I started it couple days later and it was knocking terribly. Think maybe oil pump failed and Ive got a main or a cam bearing totally shot to hell and caused some catastrophic failure

Botta Ranger · #14 04-10-2011, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doyouquaxu

strong accusations for someone who lives across the country and has never met me.

i dont know about you, but most (if not all) of the junk yard workers around me know less about what they're selling than i do. i'm speaking from experience, different vin number codes have different fittings for fuel lines as well.

"....i think the only thing that would be the biggest issue..."

Your words. That sounds like guessing to me.