new/used motor question

[rangerboy1986]

I bought my 1990 ranger back from my friend , got it for $500.. It needed a motor. The one in it was knocking real bad and it sounded like something came loose internally and it locked the back wheels up going 30 mph..
Anyways, I traded a cheap knockoff lincoln welder for a 2.9 motor.. The guy said he bought the trans and motor together but he only needed the trans. He said that the motor runs good, no overheating issues, leaks, or ticks before it was pulled.
Since i never personally saw the engine run what should i check on it? Im taking my valve covers off tomorrow to repaint them before the motor goes in the truck and i want to replace the gaskets and check for cracks in the heads. I know to check the heads over real good, make sure the valves are good, springs arent worn out and im going to clean any sludge up on the heads.
Anything else i need to look over before the motor goes in the truck? It cranks over by hand, everything feels good and no strange noises from what i can tell.
I dont want to install this motor and have to pull it back out because something needs fixed when i can just get everything done right now. Thanks in advance for any replys.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

Seal up the rear main and the oil pan gasket while its out!

Basically just look for snot and cleanliness of parts, a well maintained engine will have between shiny metal and chocolate syrup looking oil stains... thick black sludge means it had rare oil changes and using cheap oil

 

[rangerboy1986]

definately needs an oil pan gasket. anything in particular i should clean up while im replacing gaskets on it?

 

[rangerboy1986]

also, whats a good cleaner to clean everything up with? brake cleaner seems like it would be best as long as i wipe it all off with a few shop rags..
I heard engine degreaser would work good but i dont see how i would get it all off since its not self drying like brake cleaner.

 

[RonD]

yes, replace the rear main seal and oil pan gasket, check oil pump pickup to make sure it is clean.

Dawn dish soap and warm water with a brush will clean off the big stuff, cheap.
Brake cleaner or degreaser gets expensive so just use it on small parts or areas

 

[rangerboy1986]

okay cool thanks

 

[fyre82]

Purple Power degreaser works pretty good as well, isn't real expensive and is a bit friendlier to things in general.

If you pull the heads, head bolts are required when reinstalling them.