I just bought a 99 ranger 3.0 v6 4x4 and it has a cracked cylinder head i need help figuring out the best course of action the motor has 331k miles and a rebuilt trans is it better to just buy new heads and see what happens or just pull the motor
thanks in advance

 

At 331k miles I would look for a lower mile motor and swap it out

1999-2008 3.0l Vulcan engine is what you want, you will need to swap intakes unless it is an 1999 Ranger engine.
Flex fuel or gas only doesn't matter
Mazda B3000 use same engine
You can use Taurus or Sable 3.0l Vulcan engines, but you should change head gaskets to Ranger gaskets, coolant flow thru heads is different for transverse mounted engines.
Must be VULCAN 3.0l, taurus/sable Duratec 3.0l won't work

Used 3.0l Vulcan engines run $300-$800 depending on miles and warranty


If you just have one cracked head then you can just replace that head, put it back together and drive it till it drops, not alot of work
But two heads($300) will cost almost as much as used motor so long term a lower mile engine would be best bet

 

X2 on seeking a used low mileage motor to drop in it.....@331k how much life is really left in the motor? I would still be Leary of just replacing the heads even if I purchased vehicle brand new....