1999 seized 3.0l ....What will direct fit?

[ranger_1988]

Hi all --

I have been a ranger lover since my first 1988 10 years ago.....I have an extensive collection of 1983-1989 machines (read "a dozen"), and a couple 93-94 rangers and explorers.....I know ALOT about those years just on what I have self taught and identified similarites within my collection.

The thing is, last week I got a FREE 1999 with a bad 3.0l engine. and thats how I found this site.

The kid that gave it to me was driving down the interstate, the revs jumped a bit and the engine died. When he attemped re-start, it was stuck tight.

I need your help with what engines will direct bolt in....NO wire changes, transmission mods ect.....The truck is automatic 4x4 extended cab. Im real good friends with the salvage yard down the road, they had a 1998 engine that they said was a direct fit, but it got hit SOO hard in the front that it BROKE the crankshaft, and shifted the cylinder head (found out today). I called other salvage yards and they said that 96-99 would fit, but my friends at the salvage yard tonite said that only 98-99 were the same and that earlier years would require drilling and tapping for sensors. They do have 97 engine, but I dont want to tear this thing apart to find that they are different long blocks.

We are all pretty loaded so tommorrow morning I will confirm with them the years of fitment, but I was hoping You guys might be able to shed some light on what will/wont fit.

Please/ Thankyou for all your help!!!!!!

I look forward to participating in this forum, but I am mostly concerned with Stock stuff....but do ask me sometime about my poor man - no welder - dual exhaust - glass packs and chrome stacks on my 91......

 

[Mutant Pony]

Don't be discouraged by the engine failure. They are rare in a 3.0 but, any engine can fail. Even our trusty 3.0s. They are plentiful and fairly cheap in the parts yards because they don't fail often.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Yea, like AllanD said "If you can kill a 3.0 that has oil/coolant, you shouldn't be allowed to operate anything more complex than a refrigerator". The 3.0 is a pretty tough motor.

 

[Southern3.0]

Any RWD 3.0 long block will bolt in, you'll just need to put on all your '99 accesorys, brackets, sensors, manifolds, distributor/ CPS, oil pan, oil pick up, ect. There where some slight valvetrains improvments over the years though so the newer the block the better. A Front wheel drive block (Taurus/ Sable) will bolt in too but the head gaskets need to be changerd to the RWD drive gaskets beacause on a front wheel drive engine the thermostat is on the rear of the engine and it changes the way the coolant flows through the motor.

 

[wvcat]

An exact fit would be 98-2000 with an automatic. If you get a motor from a standard you will have to swap the engine harness. Other years can be used but you will run into aggrevation like the harness will be different but won't plug in because the plugs are different on things like the injectors.
John

 

[ranger_1988]

Thanks all for the info, but in my area this engine is tough to find.....Im looking to have to drive 100 miles to find one.....grrr....

Checked most yards in my area, and they are fresh out of direct fits.... 98-99 will direct drop in. Others will fall in with some massaging......

All I need is a long block, not concerned about switching manifolds or wires. Any for sale? Any suggestions for parts in Minneapolis/St. Paul MN?

 

[Ranger44]

Would you want to sell the bad motor? Might be worth the drive.

 

[wvcat]

try www.car-part.com
John
I just did a search from 275-1500 on car part

 

[ranger_1988]

lol thats funny you suggested car-part.com........I just found out about it this afternoon.... Looks like Monday morning I will be making some phone calls, and my install will be next Saturday. I found a direct-fit along my route to work for $400......question --- Will it fit in a CRX Hatchback?? hmmmmm

I have ZERO use for the old engine from this truck - if they don't charge for a core, I have no problem selling it. What are your plans for it? I can meet you 1/2 way.....

Probably the wrong place to ask, but anybody do/hear of a swap from a v8 explorer??... my friends at the yard have a rolled 98 explorer with a 5.0ho and we talked briefly about me acquiring it. I have no worries about physical fit, but worry about the wire mess. I saw a ranger sell on eBay years back with the same swap and a fully functional obd2 port.

 

[ranger_1988]

Another question - my truck is flex-fuel. Whats the difference?

 

[Ranger44]

I want and need an engine for my class. Doesn't need to run, I'm tearing it down and inspecting it.

 

[ranger_1988]

Yeah- thats what is so weird about this engine - it is full of oil and coolant. I dont know what killed it.

I will let you know when it will be available.... tomorrow I pick up the replacement engine.

 

[ranger_1988]

Got the engine today, looks pretty good. Plan to install this Saturday.

Paid $450 for a Vin V direct fit, which only came from 1999 - this will save me from swapping gobbs of parts. The only things they kept off the engine is alternator and starter and ac pump.

They said they want the old one back, but didn't charge me for a core. The yard is a 2 hour drive from my house, so I probably will end up keeping it.

What gaskets should I replace? They did remove it complete with the wire harness, and looks to have avoided cutting.

They did break the sensor that goes where the Distributer went. What is that thing called?? Does it line up any way special?

 

[Earl43P]

"They did break the sensor that goes where the Distributer went. What is that thing called?? Does it line up any way special?"



CMP. Camshaft Position Sensor.

Yes, get the alignment tool.

I'd replace the shaft portion too that goes in the old distributor hole, not just the sensor on top.

I'd wager a guess that THAT gear drive is what killed the original engine. When it goes, it takes out the oil pump drive.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Yup, Get a New one as that is THE most common problem on your truck.