Hello, I had a 89 Ranger left toi me a few years ago, Well as I have struggled along with this project I've found thats there's not as much info to be found yet with this Cologne engine. I am on a Limited buget and going to do the head gaskets and need a repair manual.After do some back ground it's sounds like doing a 4.0 swap would be better than redoing the top end but for now thats all I can do. If anyone knows of a place to get a ford repair manual, It would be very helpful.
Thank You
Dennis

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, the 2.9l was designed in Cologne, Germany
It was made as a V6 with these displacements 1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 2.9 and 4.0 litres
We only got the 2.8l, 2.9l and 4.0l here in North America
4.0l had 2 versions using the same block, 4.0l OHV(1990-2000) and the 4.0l SOHC(2001-2011)

1989 - 1992 2.9l had the better heads but would still crack if overheated, just like the 4.0l OHV heads

Info on 2.9l here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...l-v-6-engines/

If you ever pull the engine your want to replace the cam bearing, as they got higher miles they would cause a drop in oil pressure in the valve train causing "ticking" noises, it was fine to drive that way just annoying, lol

The 2.9l swap to 4.0l OHV was popular because the motor mounts and transmission pattern were interchangeable
You still needed to change computer and engine wiring harness so not plug and play

Don't see any free 2.9l rebuild manuals around

 

Thank You for your input