hello.. first post.. I bought a short block (rotating assembly) and a set of remanufactured heads for my 1997 3.0 Ranger 2WD. I've built a 1985 F-150 4X4 from the frame up using solid axles from a 1978 bronco. I've restored an 1985 Mustang gt, and I tinker with vehicles all the time but this is the first time I've torn an engine down past replacing a head gasket. The work I do is mostly remove and replace bolt on parts besides an occational bracket modifcation and such. is there anything I should know before I start this build? I'm not fimiliar with the 3.0 so are there any tricks or tips I should know about before I start this build? I plan to mount both engines on stands and remove the parts from the old engine and install them on the new engine. except I plan on replacing the water pump, oil pump, and lifters with new ones. are their any other parts anybody would recommend, I replace with new. One thing I've been told to research is "how to sychronize the cam sensor?" I've done a couple searches on the subject and from what I gather, I need a special tool. any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to give thanks in advance for any advice anyone has to offer.. thank you

 

Yeah you should replace the cam synchro sensor while you have it out. it is the only sensor in the back direct middle of the engine. Never done it before so I'm not sure the actual procedure. Maybe a 3.0er will chime in.

 

get the repair book!

 

I'm looking for tips. I know that the first thing you do is buy the repair manual. I have a full library of repair manuals. I'm asking for tips that the manual isn't going to tell me.. example: the 351w is notorious for leaking oil at the back of the intake manifold so you should use a generous bead of permatex with the gasket there and put a large ball of permatex in both rear corners. the 3.1 GM engine will leak oil because of a bad o-ring from oem on the distrubutor shaft plug that is installed where the distrubutor use to go before GM went to DIS style ignition and should be replaced with fel pro part number 70800. Those are the "tips" I'm looking for. No repair manual will tell you those things. Like I said before. I'm not fimilar with the particulars of the 3.0. And if anybody could give me a heads up of any problems I may encounter I'd greatly appreciate it. thank you