99 Ranger engine swap what fits ?

[kzcollectr]

Hello folks im new guy on the block im hoping to get some help with a renger i just bought. The trucks specs are 99 Ranger ext cab 4x4 xlt with a 3.0 flex fuel engine, automatic trans, 4.10 axles vacuum operated 4wd.
The day i looked at it for sale the radiator was full of stop leak engine was skipping abs lite on ck engine lite on. I showed all these issues to the owner and told him i would have to pass due to its condition. he was waiting for an offer. He countered with this house is sold and the truck has to go asap can u make me any offer? I explained its worth its weight in scrap. we came to a deal and i putted away with the truck and title.
Fast foreward to 2 weeks later im on the highway doing 60 in the slow lane and i hear this incredible bang and the truck starts shaking, i thought i ren into a giant boulder in the road. I pull over smoke pouring out of the hood. two guys on motorcycles behind me got covered in oil. I crawl under the truck and the oil pan is leaking profusely and it looks like it was beat with a sledge hamner from the inside. No warning not a tick, knock, loss of power nothing. Im a mechanic by trade been in the business a long time and never had this happen with no warning. I cant wait to do the autopsy.
The truth is this 3.0 was a dog compared to my wifes 4.0 and worse on gas so finally the question can i put a 4.0 in and have it bolt up. what about the sohc engine are they any good and wilt they bolt up to the 3.0 trans and work.

 

[adsm08]

The 3.0 trans is unique. Can't bolt any other engine to it.

 

[RangerSVT]

I would go either 4.0 OHV, or 5.0 from an explorer. If you go with sohc 4.0, make sure you get at least an 01 motor, as well as replace the chain tensioners on both heads. It would be a good idea to pull the timing covers off and inspect the chain guides, they are known to go bad prematurely...

SVT

 

[95ranger2.3]

2.3L turbo.. because race truck. lol

 

[Captain Ledd]

Another 3.0L = easiest. As stated earlier only the 3.0L will bolt to the trans.

However, 4.0L's are still very common, TONS of documentation on this site pertaining to 4.0L swaps. All you'd (basically) need extra is the 4.0L transmission and radiator (transfer cases all swap regardless of engine/trans combo).