what 3.0 do i have?

[ranger450]

i have a 1999 ranger with the 3.0 flex fuel motor, am looking for a head gasket kit for it. how do i know if i have a early or late 99 motor? where can i get one at a desent price?

 

[JP02XLT]

Late models have 7mm valve stems & conical springs, the earlier models have 8mm valve stems & straight style valve springs, Head gaskets should not be different as long as they are for a RWD, however the length of the head bolts will be different between the 2, the later models bolts are longer. Be sure to use new headbolts as they are TTY style and not re-useable.

JP02XLT

 

[ranger450]

can i tell from the VIN# if so how?


thx

 

[ranger450]

Which are the better of the 2 different heads?

 

[stmitch]

The newer heads with the beehive style valve springs would be a nice upgrade, but it's not like they're going to add power or anything. Other than the style of spring, and the slightly smaller valve stems, the heads should be virtually identical.

 

[ranger450]

So, i could use either one?