Some questions for the experts (Taurus swap)

[minnesota_duane]

I just picked up a 99 Ranger with a locked up 3.0 flex fuel engine for my sons 16th birthday.
I am wondering about swapping in a 3.0 out of a Taurus. I will use everything from the block up (providing that the heads are not bad) with new bolts. The truck only has 85,000 on it so I am hoping for the best.

I understand that there is a head bolt length difference, so do I get them for the year of the block or the year of the truck?

As for head gaskets I read a post that sounded like I should get the truck gaskets for the year of the block, is this correct or can I get them for the year of the truck?

Is there a difference in the flex fuel cam and the regular Taurus cam or should I be using that also?

I would like to try and get this mostly together today and Sunday so any and all knowledgeable help is greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance
Duane

 

[TomB1269]

There are a ton of tips of this, and some realy versed individuals on the forum that have provided just about any info you need, you may want to use the forum search function. However, from what I have read, the taurus block and heads are fine but the head gasket has to be for a ranger as the water flows different. As for the flex, it is my understanding the block is the same, the injectors and intake, etc would have to be swapped from the old to new motor. Again, try a search and you should find just about everything you need.

 

[Ozwynn]

hhhmmmm time for a 4.0L swap ...........

 

[minnesota_duane]

There are a ton of tips of this, and some realy versed individuals on the forum that have provided just about any info you need, you may want to use the forum search function. However, from what I have read, the taurus block and heads are fine but the head gasket has to be for a ranger as the water flows different. As for the flex, it is my understanding the block is the same, the injectors and intake, etc would have to be swapped from the old to new motor. Again, try a search and you should find just about everything you need.

I pulled it apart that stupid ass oil pump drive stripped the gear and lightly stuck two rod bearings, crank looks like it will polish out, I will know tomorrow. So looks like I am getting off cheap looking like about $300 for the oil pump drive, pan gasket, polish the crank, rod & mains, a new timing chain, oil & filter, plugs. Not bad at all and I still have an 85,000 mile engine versus a junk yard unknown!

Same thing happened to my sable, 3.0s are JUNK

 

[minnesota_duane]

hhhmmmm time for a 4.0L swap ...........

4.0? Gain a whoping 1.0L! LOL NOT!

 

[LittleHorse]

4.0? Gain a whoping 1.0L! LOL NOT!

and about 50lb-ft of torque...

 

[Ozwynn]

not to mention about 30 hp

 

[88gt]

3.0s are damn near bulletproof with proper maintenance

Amen +1^^^^

 

[TomB1269]

The 3.0 is a solid motor, just Ford engineers had their head up their a$$ when they when to direct ignition. The gear that sheared is on the syncro and is a know failure but it does give warnings. It squeals like a pig, you know the belt squeal you can never locate that comes and goes as the engine bay warms and cools..........yup, missed it just thought is was a Ford thing with the belt..........

 

[Toms01PSD]

3.0s are damn near bulletproof with proper maintenance

^^The truth^^

 

[minnesota_duane]

I got the crank polished yesterday, no problems with that. The bearings and other stuff will be here today, might get it put back together after work.

With a little luck I can rip my hair out on saturday when the kid is putting it back in the truck. His first ever engine install, he needed something mechanical for his ag class so this is it. It's going to be interesting to say the least, I don't watch well!

As for swapping in a 4.0, I put a 135,000 miles on an 86 ext cab 4x4 after I swapped in a 5.0 out of a 92 Mustang. If your going to do a swap do a swap!
You will have just as much into a 4.0 swap as you will with a 5.0.

Think about it, which one would you rather mash the loud pedal on?

Thanks for the help guys