2001 2.3L to 1998 3.0L parts exchange

[fletcher969]

Hi all,

I've stripped the damage from my front clip, and I've secured some of the parts I need for the shop repairs, but I've run across some used parts I need at a great price (i.e. they'll sell very quickly). The problem is they're from a different size and year engine, and I'm not sure if they'll work on my engine. That said, I've searched without much luck trying to get an answer, and I'll continue searching regardless, but I'm hoping I can beat the clock on these parts.

That said, the aforementioned parts are from a 2001 2.3L Duratec. I'm wondering if the following will transfer to my 1998 3.0L Vulcan:

A/C compressor
A/C condenser
Power steering unit
Water pump
Starter
Alternator
Air bags Radio

Thanks for any input, or a link which will help me out!

 

[txgocartB3000]

Go to Rockauto website and look up both engine parts and see if they are the same part number.

Ray

 

[fletcher969]

Go to Rockauto website and look up both engine parts and see if they are the same part number.

Ray

Rock Auto is a little inconsistent. They list a GDP manufactured part that is the same for both models, and what I've checked of the rest on that site indicate they're different. If I go to other sites, there are inconsistencies, and if I take the Motocraft or OEM numbers, and plug them into fordparts.com, it's inconsistent with Rock Auto. Pretty much the same acrosss the web.

I was hoping somebody on here might have some first-hand knowledge while I try and sort out the mess on the web -- to which I eluded -- is going to take some time.

 

[txgocartB3000]

Sorry, that's the best I could offer.

Looks like you have it under control.

Ray

 

[fletcher969]

Sorry, that's the best I could offer.

Looks like you have it under control.

Ray

The "under control" is more a facade. I'm still finding inconsistencies, but the preponderance of evidence is that the parts attached to the exterior of the engine aren't compatible. That said, even Ford's database lists some versions of their parts for both years and engines, and in some cases when I cross reference, Rock Auto is spot on, and other times vague. I'm not going to sort it out, but thanks for the help.

 

[adsm08]

The condensor is the only part that I think has half a chance of working. I'm not sure what an "Air bags Radio" is.

The rest of that stuff is a 100% no-go to swap from one engine to another.

 

[fletcher969]

The condensor is the only part that I think has half a chance of working. I'm not sure what an "Air bags Radio" is.

The rest of that stuff is a 100% no-go to swap from one engine to another.

An air bags radio is an air bag and radio without a carriage return.

I've passed on the parts I listed, but thanks for your input.

Now I'm finding it difficult to find a fan shroud for my 3.0L. Most sites list either a 2.5L or a 4.0L, but not a 3.0L, and those listing one for the 3.0L don't seem to exactly match any OEM or interchange numbers I've retrieved from fordparts.com (and rockauto doesn't list any shrouds for my year Ranger), and still other sites which list the exact same interchange number where some say it will fit a 3.0, and others indicate it's not compatible. Based on my VIN, Fordparts.com lists the same part number for all sizes of engines (specifically, 8146), then either assigns an interchange number where the only difference is the last 1 or 2 characters. I'm inclined to believe the fan shroud can be interchanged between 3L and 4L, but not the 2.5L, and yet fordparts.com seems to suggest they are the same part number. I'll get clarification with a call to a Ford dealer tomorrow, but does anyone know off hand?

Thanks again.

 

[stmitch]

Now I'm finding it difficult to find a fan shroud for my 3.0L. Most sites list either a 2.5L or a 4.0L, but not a 3.0L, and those listing one for the 3.0L don't seem to exactly match any OEM or interchange numbers I've retrieved from fordparts.com (and rockauto doesn't list any shrouds for my year Ranger), and still other sites which list the exact same interchange number where some say it will fit a 3.0, and others indicate it's not compatible. Based on my VIN, Fordparts.com lists the same part number for all sizes of engines (specifically, 8146), then either assigns an interchange number where the only difference is the last 1 or 2 characters. I'm inclined to believe the fan shroud can be interchanged between 3L and 4L, but not the 2.5L, and yet fordparts.com seems to suggest they are the same part number. I'll get clarification with a call to a Ford dealer tomorrow, but does anyone know off hand?

As far as I know, the Ranger radiators are all the same (as long as they come from the same year truck), so any fan shroud would bolt to the radiator without issue. You may run into small issues with fitment, but they shouldn't be deal breakers.

For example, i have a 2.3 Duratec shroud on my 3.0. It bolted directly to the radiator without issue, but I had to trim the depth of the Duratec shroud to keep it from rubbing the accessories and serpentine stuff on the 3.0. Be prepared for little things like that.

 

[fletcher969]

As far as I know, the Ranger radiators are all the same (as long as they come from the same year truck), so any fan shroud would bolt to the radiator without issue. You may run into small issues with fitment, but they shouldn't be deal breakers.

For example, i have a 2.3 Duratec shroud on my 3.0. It bolted directly to the radiator without issue, but I had to trim the depth of the Duratec shroud to keep it from rubbing the accessories and serpentine stuff on the 3.0. Be prepared for little things like that.

Much appreciated, and yeah, having to do a little backyard engineering isn't a deal breaker at all. All I know is the exact same interchange part number can show up on several sites, and one some they are shown to be compatible with my engine, and some they're not compatible. I could never find any definitive answer going that route, so your first-hand account is worth its weight in gold! Thanks again.