Swapping a 3.0

[curtisoke]

Hello, I have a 2004 automatic ranger that has over 200k miles. The previous owner tested the compression and said it was bad, he took off one of the heads and stopped there, and then I bought it. Getting the heads machined would have been more than the price of a different motor. So I picked up a 3.0 out of a 2000 for a couple hundred bucks. I know it's not a direct swap, but I've been told the heads and the block are the same, so I plan on swapping over the intake manifold, clave covers, etc, etc, from the engine that was on the truck into the one I got. The engine I bought has an automatic transmission in it, that should have less mileage then the one that's in the truck. Right now the engine and transmission that I bought are sitting on tires on the floor of the garage. I would like to seperate then so I can get the engine up on a stand so I can swap over the parts easier. Does anyone have any tips on the whole process? And is there anything I need to know before I try to seperate the engine and transmission on the floor? (I have an engine hoist if that makes any difference)

 

[pjtoledo]

do the torque converter bolts first. since it's on the floor the separation is easy.
pull and inspect the cam synchronizer drive gear, replace the entire unit if it's worn.

if the 2004 heads are junk I have been sort of looking for some to slice up like a loaf of bread to see how much metal is available for porting work.

 

[curtisoke]

do the torque converter bolts first. since it's on the floor the separation is easy.
pull and inspect the cam synchronizer drive gear, replace the entire unit if it's worn.

if the 2004 heads are junk I have been sort of looking for some to slice up like a loaf of bread to see how much metal is available for porting work.

Cool thanks. And yeah I believe they are, I would wanna hold on to them till I'm finished with the swap, but after that I'd probably let them go

 

[mc17eln]

My 190k miles 2002 3.0 heads have one pitted exhaust valve. I spend 4+ hours removing 2 heads off a 2003 flex fuel 3.0. The OD removed but left in the truck shows 96k miles. Guess what, all 6 exhaust valves were pitted. You never know what you are getting from the yard, even with low mileage ones.

 

[curtisoke]

My 190k miles 2002 3.0 heads have one pitted exhaust valve. I spend 4+ hours removing 2 heads off a 2003 flex fuel 3.0. The OD removed but left in the truck shows 96k miles. Guess what, all 6 exhaust valves were pitted. You never know what you are getting from the yard, even with low mileage ones.

Thanks for the input. We'll see how it works out with the motor I have