Recently agreed to purchase an 05 Ranger. 2.3 with a blown engine. The truck is in great shape, except the hole in the side of the block. I'm really finding it difficult to find a rebuildable block. I wonder if the engine block for the automatic and the manual transmissions are the same for this year or (range of years). These engines are popular and very hard to find in Oregon. The truck is all original with no modifications. Reman engines are eXpensive.

 

If the truck is solid, see if you can get a remanufacture short block. swap all the good parts on it and your good to go.

 

Yep I was hoping to find one, but the locals don't even have this engine. Scams are so wide spread I'm worried about ordering online. Was hoping someone out there knows of a reputable dealer for either a short or reman longblock.