Need to replace my 3.0....quickly

[joe.dollar]

Hi all. New to the forums. This place looks great. First let me say, I've done a bit of searching regarding my topic, but I'm really pressed for time in a huge way and thought I'd just post and see what happens.

I just picked up a 97 Ranger with a bad 3.0. It's knocking pretty loud. I have to get the truck going asap. This involves locating a suitable replacement motor. This is my first Ford/ Mazda product. I have also heard rumors that Taurus 3.0's will work as a replacement too.

Suffice to say, please, can anyone give me a basic idea of what year and model Ranger/ Mazda motors will work? Also, can anyone verify the rumors regarding Taurus motors?

Thanks in advance.

 

[joe.dollar]

3.0 Replaced! Update for those interested.

Well, I located a '95 3.0 out of a suitable Mazda. B3000 I believe? Anyways, extremely easy swap with only a few minor glitches. First off, got the motor in and found that my exhaust was difficult to bolt up on the right (passenger side) but much more-so on the driver's side. I'm talking about the 2 bolts that tighten the exhaust pipe to the manifold. The bolt spacing on the 97 Ranger motor was different than the 95 Mazda motor. So, I swapped in my old exhaust manifolds and all was well. If there is a next time though, would have been far more quickly done with the motor on the engine stand rather than in the vehicle.

Other than that, I'm on the road again.

 

[sparky]

Thats good to here. Glad you got it going.

 

[joe.dollar]

Thanks Sparky

She runs great, so Im very happy. I just wanted to post that follow up so maybe it can help someone who finds themselves in the same situation as me.

Funny thing about the exhaust manifolds. The ones on the Mazda motor had RNGER cast on them, same as my 97 motor, but they were a different spacing on the flanges. Seemed pretty weird considering how perfectly everything else fit together.

Anyways, nice to be driving my Ranger. It's a super little truck.