I need a rebuilt head for a Ranger 2.5L. I’m seeing rebuilt heads tat say “small Spring. What does it mean for this head and why should I care?

Thx, Benn

 

You have a 2.5l SOHC Lima engine
The Lima engines were first used in a 1974 Pinto in 2.3l displacement, and used thru 1997
In 1998 the 2.3l got a different crank shaft and longer connecting rods this is called "stroking" an engine, so its displacement change to 2.5l
Block and pistons were the same, and the heads
1995 to 1997 2.3l and 1998 to 2001 2.5l used the same exact heads, so you are not limited to 1998-2001 2.5l

Don't recall anything related to "small spring"
There is one difference in 2.5l heads that has no rhyme or reason, thermostat housing bolts, 2 sizes, 6mm and 8mm, not specific to year just some have 6 and some 8

If your head is not cracked then just take it to a machine shop and have a "Valve Job" done on it
Burnt exhaust valves are the most common mechanical issue on any engine

 

@RonD
Wouldn't the connecting rods be shorter ?
With the longer throw of the crankshaft, wouldn't longer connecting rods get shoved into the head on the up stroke ?

 

I though the 2.5l used rod length of 5.4 and 2.3l used 5.2, but thats from memory

 

if the heads not cracked 110% take it to a shop. Waaaay cheaper. If you have a cracked head or recessed valves....... pricing near me is 50/50. Junkyard a new head for about 110 then machined for 100-250. Or.... order a reman head for 550-750 +110 core charge. The only pro to the reman I can see is its RIGHT NOW when you get it in, vs waiting a few days for the shop.

Jegs, Oreilly, Advanced, RockAuto, Napa all have sales as well that can include ordering the reman if you really wanna drop the money. Last I was looking Napa had some with a sale that dropped it down to about 490ish.

Probably gonna get a lot of flak for this. I'm NOT recommending this... but...

Hillbilly Engineering:
look into the junkyard route. Flip the head up and bring a pair of dial calipers ($20) with you. If the valves are all even on the seats and no cracks? Dump some oil on the back of the valves and see if they leak. If not Its probably a good head. Then its just your 110 out the door. While its always a good idea to resurface.... you can use a set of feeler gauges($10) and a large right angle or straight edge ($30) lowes Amazon whatever. just a cheaper junky alternative. I've done it. It's worked. That was on a $800 backup car that didn't need to go more than 100 miles a month.

Good luck buddy