This topic is probably the epitome of the dead horse but figured I'd ask.
I'm looking at getting a ranger pretty soon here and was wondering 1) is it worth it to swap a 3.0 for a 4.0, and 2) if it is will I need anything besides a bell housing assuming it has the m5od?
Any input is appreciated

 

Just buy a ranger with the motor you want,both motors are decent in their own way.if I was gonna swap out a v6 i would go with a v8.

 

M5OD-R1(or R2) has integrated bell housing.

No, to the swap

You can replace busted engine with same model, but swapping 3.0l for 4.0l would cost to much in time and money for results to be worth while.
You need to swap computer and engine wiring harness and as you said transmission.
So better just to sell the 3.0l Ranger and buy a 4.0l Ranger, or buy a 4.0l now if that's what you want

Since the time and cost is about the same the V8(5.0l) swap is more popular

 

RonD: thats kind of what I had been thinking just wasn't 100% sure
Brensranger: Thats what I hope to do but right now I've got a 01 XLT with the 3.0 for about $4k and a 03 FX4 with the 4.0 for about $11k both with close to the same miles and am really split down the center

 

$7k is a lot of money to jump from an 01 to an 03 ranger. Is the 01 a 4x4? If it is I would go with the 3.0 spend some money on mods. Also make sure you check out the 03 4.0 engine and listen for the timing chain problem. It affected 2001-2003 4.0s