Dead stop on 2005 Ranger XL rebuild. 2.3 Vin D

[DaveH]

So after purchasing the truck, disassembling two engines I find neither have a usable crankshaft. #1 was obliterated and #2 was shaved on one journal. So shaved this crank isn't salvageable either. Called Ford and they can't even find a number on a replacement crank. I called every source I know of for a usable crank. Zip, Nada. So, anyone out there in Ranger land know of a reliable crank source???
Thanks in advance.........

 

[pjtoledo]

late year 2001 and all of 2002 engines will work if the accessories are swapped over.
last spring I pulled a 2005 out and placed a 2002 in it's place. the only thing that was not a direct bolt-on was a small vapor hose.
had I swapped the valve cover that would not have been an issue.

however, I'm in a part of Ohio that has no inspections of any kind.

since this is a Mazda engine try the Mazda forums.

other Ford & Mazda models used the same engine in a FWD configuration, among other things their front timing cover doesn't have a fan.

don't get a variable cam timing engine, too many changes are needed for a clean swap. internals may be the same.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

If you have an old school machine shop fairly close, give them a call. My shop has engine parts going back decades. Usually from non-payment of machining costs.

 

[DaveH]

late year 2001 and all of 2002 engines will work if the accessories are swapped over.
last spring I pulled a 2005 out and placed a 2002 in it's place. the only thing that was not a direct bolt-on was a small vapor hose.
had I swapped the valve cover that would not have been an issue.

however, I'm in a part of Ohio that has no inspections of any kind.

since this is a Mazda engine try the Mazda forums.

other Ford & Mazda models used the same engine in a FWD configuration, among other things their front timing cover doesn't have a fan.

don't get a variable cam timing engine, too many changes are needed for a clean swap. internals may be the same.

PJ, I'm thinking about Mazda may be the route. My machinist has sources and he couldn't find the crank either. I'd hate to buy a rebuilt as I really want to learn by doing.

 

[DaveH]

If you have an old school machine shop fairly close, give them a call. My shop has engine parts going back decades. Usually from non-payment of machining costs.

Thanks for your response. My machinist looked at the head and piston I brought and said that crank is toast. He pointed out the journal that was gone and I checked it at home. He was spot on. Wasn't even close. PJ has the right Idea. I need to search for the right year DOHC block in Mazda or find a Ford with decent crank. All I need it that dang crank. I have sources for every other piece

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I take it he has nothing in his boneyard...
Well, good luck in the search.

 

[DaveH]

I take it he has nothing in his boneyard...
Well, good luck in the search.

I've checked wrecking yards across the Left Coast. I found ONE in California but they want $2,300 shipped for a USED engine. I've already bought and disassembled two to no avail. I'm now thinking an engine trans swap. OUCH.

 

[Josh B]

I've checked wrecking yards across the Left Coast. I found ONE in California but they want $2,300 shipped for a USED engine. I've already bought and disassembled two to no avail. I'm now thinking an engine trans swap. OUCH.

What's wrong with the engine/trans swap? Already got all the wrenches already laying out there

 

[DaveH]

PJ, I'm thinking about Mazda may be the route. My machinist has sources and he couldn't find the crank either. I'd hate to buy a rebuilt as I really want to learn by doing.

What's wrong with the engine/trans swap? Already got all the wrenches already laying out there

I've never changed out ECU's- wiring looms, and switched engines and trans to other sizes. Simply a matter of inexperience. I suspect many many others have experienced the problem I'm facing now. Dang, I have everything I need to rebuild a great engine Except a crankshaft.

 

[Josh B]

My apologies Dave, I was presuming it to be a ready matched set :/
Mine will be coming up soon and I'll use a 96 4.0 block from an Explorer, and it will replace my 93 4.0 under the 93 intake. Also a transmission swap of two M50Ds, so I was rather stuck on that "they all should match", but only in a dream I guess could be said these days

 

[DaveH]

My apologies Dave, I was presuming it to be a ready matched set :/
Mine will be coming up soon and I'll use a 96 4.0 block from an Explorer, and it will replace my 93 4.0 under the 93 intake. Also a transmission swap of two M50Ds, so I was rather stuck on that "they all should match", but only in a dream I guess could be said these days

No worries, I'm so stuck I'm getting ready to drive to Klamath Falls to pick up a running 2.3 based on a video of the engine running. $500 bucks for the vehicle which is trashed except for the engine. Allegedly has 147k. Sounded good. But hate to drive 6 hours to listen up close and hear a knock...........

 

[Josh B]

It will be worth it only if it passes, so you will be wishing it to work so much I hope you can keep your wits about you

 

[DaveH]

It will be worth it only if it passes, so you will be wishing it to work so much I hope you can keep your wits about you

I'll drive it a bit and make sure it doesn't smoke or rattle. My truck has 24 tags so it'll get me a year to decide on whether or not to rebuild using this crank or replace with a 2.5 or V6. Were you the guy in my area?

 

[DaveH]

Never mind, just saw your location. Duh............. lol

 

[Josh B]

I had an 87 given to me due to rust damage which I managed to patch up and drive several years and sold it after getting the 93 and before moving back home here in Oklahoma'
Found a paper today that said the 87 had a 2.3 from the factory, but they had put a new engine in it. I'm still not certain which engine was in it when I had it. It was a good engine but could not pull 70mph in OD.
I lived in TN then, and made some regular trips to AL. Going there came to a long downhill slope about 2 miles which was the only place it could utilize OD
I'd sure like to know for certain which engine it had, I'm wondering if any auto parts keeps any personal vehicle records going back 15 years