I bought a 2000 Ranger with a bad head gasket, and planned to change the engine. I found some 4.0L engines, but was told they won't work.

What engines will bolt in without having to change wiring harness?

If I can't find a replacement, what's involved in 5.0L swap?

 

why not just change the gasket?

 

Mechanic that looked at it said there is probably internal damage judging from what he sees, so I thought I would save time of cost of changing gaskets.
Because I have not been able to find one to replace it, it looks like we're going to try changing gaskets and see what happens.

 

If I am correct that is a SOHC motor? if it is, any SOHC motor from then to I think '11 will work as long as it's from another ranger. You will need to use the existing engine wiring harness and use your old injectors.