After searching and sifting through the tons of information trying to figure it out I am just going to ask
I have just inherited a 99 ranger 2.3 5spd ranger. Here is what I am trying to figure out
which 2.3 do I have. I have 8 plugs but a timing belt not a chain. When I do parts searches online when I put my truck is a 99 the 2.3 L is not even an option listed. only 2.5
It is the original engine dad bought the truck from a ford dealership certified preowned with 40k in 2002
Can some one verify which engine I have and tell me how to work around my selections to search for parts

 

You have the 2.5 not the 2.3.

If for some reason this truck has the 2.3 8 plug engine, someone put it in the truck.

Or your truck is not a 1999

 

The facts I do know are it is a 2.3 with an 8 plug and according to the title VIN and title it is a 99.

I can not promise 100% the engine wasn’t swapped prior to my father owning the truck. I do find it harder to believe someone would replace the engine while under factory warranty and swapping it in the process. and if they did that a ford dealership would sell it certified with ford motor credit financing it. Of course anything is possible. I do appreciate your input! Thank you!

 

OK since you claim to know the engine is a 2.3 not a 2.5, how about telling us how you know for sure it is a 2.3 and not a 2.5

What is the complete VIN

 

I will post the vin later The simplest answer I have is the trucks head cracked 250 miles away and mom won’t let dad put anymore money in it. I told them I’ll make the repairs and they would give me the truck. if it wasn’t for the fact he already has the head off and the 300 dollar tow bill to have brought here I would fix it myself.

We have always been told 2.3 the current mechanic quoted me a price for a 2.3 I am 90 but not 100 percent sure i remember badging under the hood to indicate 2.3. I remember dad getting a tune up at 100k and being confused about the 8 plugs. I know it has an aluminum head.....I will Post the VIN soon as I can and realize it is possible to be told wrong by a mechanic. Thanks again

 

I have worked on these Ford engines for many years, If I opened the hood without looking at the engine label I would say you have a 2.3 because the 2.5 looks just like it.

The 2.3 and the 2.5 are basically the same engine, the 2.5 is a improved engine with a longer stroke and other changes that give it better power etc.

Where this gets confused sometimes is Ford Rangers also come with a 2.3 DOHC engine
which looks nothing like the 2.3 or 2.5 Lima engine which is what you have.

 

1FTYR10C3XUA58177 .... did decode as 2.5 I will follow up with shop working on it make sure he does the right head That scares me we have been told wrong for long...

Thanks for making dig deeper hind site obvious thing to do is run a vin

 

I called the shop first thing and asked what engine was in it and without hesitation he said 2.5. I told him he previously said 2.3 which he said he probably did out of habit. But definitely a 2.5.

Thanks EA for getting me on the right path. Assuming the repair goes as planned I look forward to making this thing into a useful vehicle for my lifestyle

 

I am glad the mystery is solved, good luck with your truck.