1997 Ford ranger engine swap

[MCSO756]

I'm currently attempting to replace a 3.0 engine in my1997 ranger. I have an engine from a 1995 ranger. The problem is the 97 is a crank trigger / cam sensor engine. The 95 is a distributor engine with no crank trigger.
My question is, can I use the harmonic balancer from the 97 on the 95?
Thanks
Danny

 

[Oxxon]

Hello and welcome to TRS!!

I'm sure someone will come along and be able to help you.

 

[RonD]

1995 Ranger 3.0l would have the crank sensor, and no distributor, so it must be a 1994 or earlier 3.0l, just FYI

You need to swap timing chain cover and crank pulley both, but yes it will work
You want to replace the timing chain cover gasket in any case, its a known problem on the 3.0l engines, it leaks coolant
And front main seal when cover is out/off

Also rear main seal anytime an engine is out of the vehicle

 

[MCSO756]

Ron D , thank you for the information. I'm in the process of building a 3.0 for my ranger. I bought it with a bad motor. Someone had rebuilt it using standard bearings on a turned crank and pistons wit about ,020 thousands clearance on the skirts in the bottom of the bore.
I'll not be reusing that engine. I have the older one. Anyway thank you very much for the reply.