2000 Ranger 3 liter head replacement

[jcrow123]

I have a cracked driver side Cylinders (4,5 and 6) head (2000 Ranger XLT 3.0 flex rear wheel drive AKA 4X2
I have ordered a replacement head, but I still have worries that their is a left and right side head. I have a local mechanic who will be doing the installation. I need to know if if the left and right side heads are identical. Does anyone have a definitive answer to this question.http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_welder.gif

OK thanks for the feedback, new question: I have the correct head now, but the felpro head gasket seems to be a universal fit for either Gas or Flex. Is there a special gasket for the flex or are the gaskets made to fit both Gas and Flex heads. It's a stupid question but I really need to know.

 

[RonD]

There is no left or right for 3.0l heads they are interchangeable.
Head gaskets can have a left and right, that is for coolant circulation.
And Ford used the 3.0l engine mounted sideways in cars, they have different head gasket than Rangers.

There were different head designs over the years, gas only and flex fuel had different size domes, you can use either one but BOTH heads must be the same, gas only or flex fuel, never one of each.
There were also different valve sizes, they also should not be mixed

 

[evanesce69]

true that! make 100% certain it is identical... not all flex fuels are created equal

 

[jcrow123]

Thanks I am somewhat less uneasy about the head replacement. I ordered a Felpro gasket set, but it seems to be like a universal fit for both Gas and Flex. Is this normal or is there a different one for the flex? It's a stupid question but I need to know. Thanks.

 

[stmitch]

No difference between gaskets for flex fuel vs non-flex.

 

[jcrow123]

Thanks I think I'm ready to do this thing, if the rain lets up a bit. You guys are awesome!

 

[jcrow123]

Got an update, I replaced the left side head with the gas only version. I would have heeded the post that I should only replace the heads in pairs I.E. Gas or Flex, but being as how I am poor (Now anyway) having lost my house and all my tools in the Butte fire here in Cali and there not seeming to be any available rebuilt flex heads that I could find I went ahead with replacing the left head only. Results, were excellent with the exception of having to convince the mechanic who installed it to do it against his better judgement. My 2000 3 L now purrs like a kitten, smooth even power and all. Thanks all for your excellent advice and time..

 

[det107]

My 2000 3 L now purrs like a kitten, smooth even power and all. Thanks all for your excellent advice and time..