What does it mean when I see "vin U 8th digit" when looking at listings of engines to buy.
Also I have a 1999 Ranger 3.0 4x4. What years and styles are available to swap easily? Can I use a Taurus engine for example?
thanks for any help, and sorry if this has been asked before

 

Welcome to the forum

You can use a Taurus engine but you need to change the heads gaskets to Ranger style
Car 3.0l engine is mounted sideways so coolant goes out the passenger side then comes back in on the drivers side of the engine.
To coolant flow is back to front and head gasket holes directing coolant flow are different.
People have done the swap without changing gasket, and reported no problems, but...........no longer term reports and thats where the problems would come up

1999 to 2008 3.0l Ranger or Mazda B3000 engine will work, you will need to swap over your intake to match wiring and injectors, and oil pan for 4x4 part, also change oil pump and rear main seal while engine is out.

If you want a direct swap then 1999 Ford Ranger 3.0l 4x4 will be the only year

8th digit is engine
U is non-flex fuel 3.0l Vulcan
V is Flex fuel 3.0l Vulcan

Same engine just different fuel injectors, so you have to keep YOUR injectors unless new engine matches your VIN 8th digit

Head chambers were different but both run gasoline the same

 

thank you