I've been a member for awhile Now but this is my first post. I have a 2002 2.3 5speed the motor finally took a dump. I've been looking for a replacement and having a hard time locating one close. But I can find ones for 04+ close by, they look the same but the wrecking yard said there different, I'm just wondering what the differences are. If it's sensors and what not can I use one with out major modification. Excuse me if this is a newbie question but I searched with no results. I am mechanically inclined just I'm more of a jeep guy fords aren't my specialty lol.

 

Any 2.3L from 2001 to present will fit in yours. They are the same. The only other 2.3L engine in the ranger was from the third generations in the 1993-1997 production years. So your 2002 has the same motor as the 2004+.

 

Ok thank you, I just couldn't understand why they said it was different. They look identical to me but you never know with ford.