2.9 heads

[sager222]

Hello all. Have a 89 ranger with the 2.9. head cracked. Been reading and planning on going to the junkyard to find a head. From what I've read I need a head off a 89 or newer 2.9. correct? As the weak head problem was improved after 88. "89TM" is what I'm supposed to look for, my question is where is that stamped at on the head? and is there a easy way to tell if its a good head without tearing it all down ? Thanks

 

[bigfatloser]

This will help.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_9_Page.shtml

 

[dave2575]

If iyou but a JY head u will want to have it cleaned and magnafluxed to check for cracks. FYI some 2.9 heads with the newer 89TM provisions/improvements are still stamped with an 86TM, you just have to look for the the straighter valve cover mating surface and the rectangular shaped rocker pedestals as shown in the picture below, you can compare the two different heads in the link above by bigfatloser.
Picture of the location of the casting number below, first 4 digits.

 

[sager222]

thanks!

Excellent! thanks!