Head Cracked, Now What? 2.3 Engine swap

[SilverCamperSlug]

So truck engine is shot, pretty sure the head is cracked. Wanna replace it. I have a few questions

First off Im assuming that going with a 2.3L would be the easiest and most straight forward way to do this right?

What years of 2.3L are the same as my 2001?

Would it be a good idea to put a 2.5L or some other engine in its place?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Oh and my truck info should be in my sig

[doyouquaxu]

a 4.0 would be a pretty easy swap as well from what i'm told. i bought a more worthless 3.0, so i can't give you first hand info.

[SilverCamperSlug]

looks like the 2.5 should bolt right in place of the 2.3 and apparently all/most of the wiring will be the same as well. Only thing im a little confused about is wether my 2.3 is a early or late design.

[mcilenti]

2001 would have 2.5 engine basicly the sane as the earlier 2.3
later 2.3 is a dohc and is not related to the earlier 2.3-2.5 engines

[sheltonfilms]

Just to double check since 2001 is a confusing year for the four cylinders......are you sure its a 2.3? or is a 2.5? Two totally different engines but both were put in the 2001 models.


I don't think a swap from 2.3 to 2.5 or vise versa would be a problem. But swapping to a V6, you would most likely have to get another transmission. Also I think the V6 models had a 8.8 rear end where the 4 bangers had 7.5 rear ends.

[killj0y]

if just the head is cracked, you don't have to actually get a whole new motor...Now if you want a new motor then nevermind lol.

[pooleo]

I do know that in earlier rangers, the automatics have removable bell housings. At least to 01. So you could swap out to the 4.0 and just swap bellhousing, to get you going. The trans is weaker tho, and might fail. I think best bet is to put in the same motor and be done with it.

[killj0y]

yea I think it's gotta be all or nothing really. Is there something wrong with the block? i mean couldn't you just get new heads, maybe even better ones?