2001 3.0 fit in 2002 with same engine?

[Rattler]

Hey guys,
Going out of my wheel house on this one.
I have been a 4 banger for longer than I can remember, but the opportunity for an extended cab just showed up on my door. I love my Lima, but dogs have forced me to up size. Yes, dogs. A Catahoula has upended my life. Hag!
Enough blabber. My question is this. Will a 3.0 turd from an 01 bolt in to an 02 without any major headaches?
I found a 2001 3.0 engine and trans for about $1200.00 with approximately 100K miles.
I would rather drop the 4.0 in it, (02) but I read that was a pain in the backside that would require a different tranny, among other things.
Keep in mind, I don't know if that is true or not. I have been wrenching on 2.3's in my entire Ranger experience. All the subtleties, and tricks of working on mid 90's with Limas would be lost here in the land of '02 and V-6.
Would be nice either way, to get some elbow room around here. Woof!

 

[Earl43P]

Should be identical, although it may have the older aluminum intake. If so, use your original one. Wasn't until the 03 that they deleted the EGR.

Replace the Cam Synchro.

$1200 sounds high to me, unless that's an Automatic Trans.
I wouldn't own a 3.0 mated to an Auto.

 

[Rattler]

Nice! The truck I am putting the engine into has a 5 speed. This one has the torn up truck with the automatic still stuck to it.
Either I could sell the auto later, or scrap the rest of the truck with the tranny for the extra weight.
Too bad the 4.0 would not be as easy. I could really get with that.
Needs over wants, and we need elbow room. The 4.0 will be another project.
Will definitely replace the Cam Synchro. Thanks for the info!