My 2001 and daily driver is down, got an engine shipping in next week. I'm a backyard wrencher who has kept my cars on the road for years but I'm not a mechanic and this engine swap kinda scares me.
I have no idea what's involved with the clutch /tranny - timing chain. I had trouble in the past with a shop not getting variable valve timing right on a timing belt and they almost ruined the car. This Ranger is prob not that complex but since I don't
know whats involved I'm freaking out a bit!

I found a shop that is family run they sound for real and have good reviews- $1400 they said plus oil and coolant 1500 all in. Then a guy called me back that comes to me - has an engine hoist he bolted to his truck bed - diid a good job,
sounds like a good guy who can do it and he wants $900 paid on completion.

What worries me is just not understanding how much magic smoke is involved swapping a ford ranger, 3.0 auto trans. Is it straightforward for a competent mechanic or is there a lot of important curves that are critical?

If there are I'm better off with a brick and mortar shop I can taker it back to and say this aint right. This mobile guy has def swapped out a few motors so it's prob nothing he hasn't seen before.

just fishing for any advise you got you can throw my way-

Caleb 'trying to stay calm' White