Can anyone confirm what this motor is for and if the block would work in a 2002 ranger that currently has a 3.0 (U) engine. Thanks

 

No, not really, the Block/engine sticker was a Ford tracking number, i.e. the Bar Codes on the sticker

Ford only made two V6 3.0l engines, 1986 to 2008 3.0l OHV Vulcan and 1993 to 2012 3.0l DOHC Duratec

These two engines look very different, Rangers/Mazda B3000 only used the 3.0l Vulcan and all years are interchangeable
Other Ford cars could have either the OHV or the DOHC during the overlapping years

So you will need more info from the seller, if that's all they will send you then its the WRONG engine and they know it

VIN "U" or "V" doesn't really matter, it has more to do with fuel injector size and the computer model in your 2002 Ranger/Mazda than the engine itself

Avoid 2004-2006 3.0l OHV Vulcan's as they can have bad heads from the factory, small percentage but it ain't 0, lol

The best years for your 2002 are 1999-2003 and 2007/8, 2008 was last year for the 3.0l Vulcan
You WILL need to change upper and lower intakes from your 2002 to the "new" engine so the wiring matches up, this also swaps over injectors so they will match the computer

 

I was able to get some more information. This is a Duratec engine that was used in many of the cars from this same era. As you may already know, this engine was a replacement for the Vulcan. I was hoping I could strip it down to a long block and switch components, but I don’t think that will work because of the difference in engine orientation.

 

No, different engines, no parts in common

 

That’s what my conclusion was as well. I can’t believe how hard it is to find a long block right now.

 

I think you are in Italy, so yes the 3.0l OHV Vulcan's would be harder to find in Europe

 

Nope. NE Ohio

 

Then check on https://www.car-part.com/

Searches "local" wrecking yards for used parts

Here is an article that shows the changes in the 3.0l OHV over the years: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec..._0-build.shtml
As said 1999 to 2003, and then 2007 and 08 the same blocks and heads

The gas only or flex fuel(methanol) heads are different but only in chamber size, so when swapping over there is no actual running differences