2.3L ('02-'11) 2003 Ranger 2.3 Rebuild

[JoshuaDonMusk]

i have the starter off and i can see the bolts i just wonder how the hell you can get a socket on there to get them.

 

[JoshuaDonMusk]

never mind, i just realized that theres a rubber spacer for the starter to peel off and access the bolts easier. i feel like a dumbass.

 

[JoshuaDonMusk]

torque convert bolts off, bellhousing and engine mount bolts have been off, even remember to get the transcooler lines off, and the bastard still isnt coming loose

 

[Josh B]

I saw something about the oil filter mount.
Also look up the posts from this guys recent job on one just like it, should help you along some

Dead stop on 2005 Ranger XL rebuild. 2.3 Vin D

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...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[pjtoledo]

look for more bolts.
I cut the heads off some longer bolts and put them in to act as guides.
that helps a lot when reinstalling the engine.
this is a 2002, manual of course, but the bolt pattern is the same.

 

[Josh B]

When I was messing around pick and pay they didn't charge for bolts as I recall. I have 4 or 5 bags of them in the back, fuses too

 

[JoshuaDonMusk]

Thank you for the help and support guys. Will give it another go in the morning!

 

[franklin2]

Lift the engine and trans together as high as they will go. Then get a piece of wood, put it on a jack and put that under the transmission. Then start lowering the engine down. That will usually break the engine and the trans loose from each other with a little added wiggling. Then you can lift the engine back up and pull it forward over top of the engine mounts on the frame.

 

[JoshuaDonMusk]

Lift the engine and trans together as high as they will go. Then get a piece of wood, put it on a jack and put that under the transmission. Then start lowering the engine down. That will usually break the engine and the trans loose from each other with a little added wiggling. Then you can lift the engine back up and pull it forward over top of the engine mounts on the frame.

after much delay being on vacation i came back yesterday and tried this. it broke the engine loose and got to cranking on it as soon as i got it in my garage. Got to dissasembling it and could tell my chain to my oil pump was broken, i dont know if it broke when i was the engine out, or if thats what caused the bad oil pressure. A little off topic, but while i was working on my engine, my retriever started going into labor. so not only was i cranking on the 2.3 but being a damn redneck obstetrician. Breaking into it i also noticed #4 bearing was SHREDDED. every other piston bearing seemed like they experienced normal use.

 

[JoshuaDonMusk]

i will bring the crankshaft to a machinists, cant really afford it. but i want to do this the right way.

 

[franklin2]

i will bring the crankshaft to a machinists, cant really afford it. but i want to do this the right way.

There is no other way. I did see Autozone has a crankshaft kit, already machined with matching bearings for $251.99. The want $32 for your old crankshaft.

 

[JoshuaDonMusk]

There is no other way. I did see Autozone has a crankshaft kit, already machined with matching bearings for $251.99. The want $32 for your old crankshaft.

i saw it too. sadly they do not home deliver to my location

 

[JoshuaDonMusk]

There is no other way. I did see Autozone has a crankshaft kit, already machined with matching bearings for $251.99. The want $32 for your old crankshaft.

i would rather support a local business anyway! this machine shop has previously machined my 5.3,6.0, and 4.9! i trust these guys more than anyone else

 

[franklin2]

i would rather support a local business anyway! this machine shop has previously machined my 5.3,6.0, and 4.9! i trust these guys more than anyone else

That and you know the history of the crankshaft you will be getting. Get ready though, they will check the thrust surface of the crank. If it's worn, there is nothing they can do but spray it up and that is expensive. Just wait and see what they say.

 

[JoshuaDonMusk]

anyone know where i can find a torque spec sheet? i sadly do not have my hands on a engine manual.