I'm replacing my 2.3L with another of the same model and was wondering a few things. How do I replace the rear main, do I need to pull the oil pan and everything to get to it or should I be able to with just a few simple bolts I'm overlooking? Also, is it recommended that I replace the water pump?

I think you should be able to get to the rear main once you take the transmission off.

As for the water pump, I'm a firm believer in replacing everything you can afford to replace while it's easy to get to, so I'd go ahead and do the water pump.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT
Extended Cab
3.0 Flex
4x4
Manual Transmission
Offroad Package

But where are the bolts to take the housing off of it?

Did you see or hear the motor run and know it doesent smoke..clank ..clunk ..rattle or whine?...If not I would do a compression test for the heck of it. Its cheap and will tell you a little about the pistons,rings,valves. head, ect.. I would change the timing belt and tensioner too. (60,000 miles is the factory recomendation) along with water pump and thermostat. Change the head and intake manifold gaskets. They are paper and known to fail. You could have the head checked out and milled at the same time. Use NEW head bolts to reinstall if you go that route.

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Red 1994 Mazda B2300 Base Model With A/C--2.3L--140cid-100hp--4Cyl--D.I.S. Engine Code [A]--Bosch (4505) Fusion Iradium Spark Plugs-- "Cheap" 8mm Silicone Plug Wires--Gatorback Belt--Blocked Off/Disabled EGR Valve--Coil Mod--Throttle Cable Mod--Magnaflow Muffler/No CAT--5 Speed M5R1-RWD--3.45 Non Limited Slip Rear End---Lowered 5" Rear 3 1/2" Front---269,000 Miles as of 11/1/2013---If its a Ford you will need to keep a lot of tools and a good fire extinguisher handy.

I never got to see or hear it run, but the guy I bought it from guaranteed the money back if there are any problems whatsoever. I already planned on replacing the timing belt and tensioner, I had to replace the exhaust manifold gasket so I'm doing the intake as well. I'm also doing the valve cover gasket. This whole engine work has me freaked out because I'm used to carburetor or having actual space to work on an engine

What tranny does your truck have? What tranny does the donor truck have?

SFDROIDBIONICUT2

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

both trucks had the 5-speed manual tranny

That means both trucks have flywheels. I am sure you are putting in all new clutch equipment so remove the flywheel and have it turned. When the flywheel is off you can access the RMS

SFDROIDBIONICUT2

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

I recently replaced my engine with another of the same type. It ran great for the better part of a year and then lost all compression. Take my advice, rebuild the thing and or replace anything you can now while you have it out. If not, you will kick yourself later when something happens and you didn't do it when it was out of the truck.

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Doug
2003 2.3L DOHC XLT 2WD Automatic Single Cab Step Side

torque specs on the valve cover? as well as the exhaust manifold and throttle body manifold?

All those should be listed in your car bible if you have one.

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Doug
2003 2.3L DOHC XLT 2WD Automatic Single Cab Step Side