1995 XLT 3.0 (auto) to newer Ranger/B3000

[Mels2ndRanger]

Hi,

I was checking the TECH Library as well as Posts-I cannot seem to find anything on swapping my 95 3.0 for a newer 3.0. I am satisfied with the motor-due to gas mileage. I will be starting a new job and the Ranger will be running everyday on the highway for my job. It runs fine now, but with almost 130,000-I want to be ready to swap when I need it. I get paid by the run. So, I have tried to follow everyting, and I have done a swap on a car before. On it I had to swap the motor, ECU ( Rangers called a PCM), and the MAF-everything else was plug n play. It was a 1993 to 2001 swap (mazda). Assuming that this is the same case, has anyone done this swap, and have there been any problems? I have been looking around locally and am finding 95-97 3.0s with 200k to 300k on them, and still wanting a mint. I have found one out of a 96 with 79k on it, decent price but 3 hrs away. Locally I have found a few 2003-2006 (or what years are the best for this swap)3.0s priced decent, but not sure if I have to swap tranny as well, if anyone has insight Please let me know...I did check the 3.o thread as well..
Thanks,

Mel

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the short blocks are all the same. as long as you re-use your intake manifolds and ALL associated electronics and sensors, any year will swap just fine.

keep in mind when looking for an engine that the 3.0 OHV used in the taurus' is the same engine as yours. ive found that tauri are a little easier to find low mileage donors for cheap. if you go with a taurus engine, you need to replace the head gaskets with ranger gaskets (to correct coolant flow), and you'll need to reuse all your accessory brackets.

the transmissions are also all the same, so no need to swap yours unless its broken.