How hard is it going to be to pull a 1997 ford ranger 3.0 engine. What kind of time frame am I looking at. Any special tools that I will need? Will the engine pick up out of the engine compartment with the radiator pulled out? Let me know everyones thoughts on this. Thanks

 

I've changed a few 98 and newer 3.0's. The worst part is the exhaust manifolds, you will need heat to get the bolts out of the crossover pipe. Other than that its pretty easy. Don't forget the bell housing bolt above the starter, it goes thru from the engine side.

 

How hard, How long etc. Depends on your skill level, whether you are in a well equipped shop or under tree and tools available. I would definitely pull the rad it's too easy to poke a hole in it while pulling the engine. For the extra couple of minutes it takes to pull it's good insurance.

If I were you I would buy a manual and read the procedure for engine removal before you even touch it. It will give you some good insight and some do's and dont's that might save you some headaches and maybe some money.