3.0 Flex Fuel

[LoghanC]

What is the difference in a 99 2wd manual flex fuel and a 99 auto 4x4 flex fuel. Looking to swap the one out of the auto into the 2wd.

 

[RonD]

3.0l Flex fuel in 1999 had larger injectors, than gas-only, 2001 and up used same injectors, this has to do with computer software nothing else
And check the oil pan, 2wd and 4x4 may be different, I don't think so but give it a look


The flex fuel heads had a different shaped chamber than gas-only, but didn't effect much, as people have swapped engines and heads around without any issues

 

[LoghanC]

Would the manual 4x2 trans pair up with the motor from the 4x4 auto?

 

[fastpakr]

If you're staying with the same year and they're both flex fuel engines, it should be a straight swap.

Ron - just to confirm, I did check RockAuto and there doesn't appear to be a distinction on pans.

 

[fastpakr]

Would the manual 4x2 trans pair up with the motor from the 4x4 auto?

Yes - the bolt pattern on the back of the motor would be identical.

 

[LoghanC]

Yes - the bolt pattern on the back of the motor would be identical.

Thanks alot man, just wanted to check before i went and looked at the 2wd.

 

[RonD]

Good stuff

There is a Block plate between engine and bellhousing, this matches TRANSMISSION TYPE, so use your Block plate on the "other engine"

Just as a "what to do when engine is out"
Replace rear main seal, cheap part, hard to get at once engine is in

3.0l engine had a common issue of the front engine cover leaking coolant
Also not an expensive gasket to change when engine is out, a real pain with engine in since you need to loosen oil pan
Which brings up the oil pan gasket........................, be nice to have that all sealed up, lol, before engine was dropped in

The timing chain and gears were bullet proof on the 3.0l so they are OK

 

[LoghanC]

Good stuff

There is a Block plate between engine and bellhousing, this matches TRANSMISSION TYPE, so use your Block plate on the "other engine"

Just as a "what to do when engine is out"
Replace rear main seal, cheap part, hard to get at once engine is in

3.0l engine had a common issue of the front engine cover leaking coolant
Also not an expensive gasket to change when engine is out, a real pain with engine in since you need to loosen oil pan
Which brings up the oil pan gasket........................, be nice to have that all sealed up, lol, before engine was dropped in

The timing chain and gears were bullet proof on the 3.0l so they are OK

Yup already had the rear main in mind, leaked just a little, but didnt think about any other gaskets

 

[RonD]

If its your first automatic trans removal and install there is one BIG BIG DEAL

You must seat the torque converter into trans and bell housing FIRST, then lift and install trans onto engine

Put torque converter onto input shaft then push it in and spin it, it will slide farther in two or three times ans shafts and pump line up
Torque converter should be touching back of bellhousing and no part of it should stick out passed belhousing

You will ruin the transmission if you don't do this................ask me how I know, lol

 

[LoghanC]

If its your first automatic trans removal and install there is one BIG BIG DEAL

You must seat the torque converter into trans and bell housing FIRST, then lift and install trans onto engine

Put torque converter onto input shaft then push it in and spin it, it will slide farther in two or three times ans shafts and pump line up
Torque converter should be touching back of bellhousing and no part of it should stick out passed belhousing

You will ruin the transmission if you don't do this................ask me how I know, lol

Just planning on putting my motor into the 2wd truck and trans

 

[pjtoledo]

when its out pull the cam sync unit to inspect the drive gear, replace if its worn. oil the top bushing.