I'm thinking of replacing my 2.3 with a 3.0, both are complete and 2006 with 5 speeds.I'm thinking I'll have to swap the wiring harness and radiator etc. Anyone have any insights/advice regarding other things that would be required? Thanks

 

It's going to be a lot more work than that.

You'll need to swap Instrument panels, engine computer, ignition key tumblers so you can use the 3.0 ignition key, because of PATS, they are all married to each other.

You'll also need the transmission from the 3.0

I'm sure there are other things you'll need

 

My 2.3L went bad because of the wrist pin came loose and I just got my self a 2.5L see thread here

 

Welcome to the forum

+1 on all the above

There is no easy way to change engine size, in any vehicle made after 1985 or so, once there was Fuel injection/engine computer it became more complicated
Same model vehicle doesn't make it any easier
2004 and up Rangers were Digital with CAN Bus network, which added another layer of complications to swapping engine size and electronics in general

And not a good swap in any case, the 2.3l Duratec is rated as 143 horse power with 25MPG rating, 2000's technology
The 3.0l Vulcan is 148HP with 18MPG rating, 1980's technology
So ALOT of work for 5HP more and 7MPG less
That's the practical side of things

If its a labor of Love, so practical matters are not involved then YES, you can do it
As said you will need to swap over engine, its wiring harness and the computer with its MATCHED instrument cluster
And swap over the key cylinder so you can use the 3.0l Rangers keys, with its cluster and computer

You do need to swap over engine AND transmission as the 2.3l trans can't bolt to the 3.0l engine
You will need to change motor mounts, of course, but transmission mount should be the same
Yes, you will need the 3.0l radiator to match upper and lower radiator hoses, and 3.0l used an Overflow system, 2.3l used a Degas system, so you will need the Overflow tank from the 3.0l Ranger mounted in the 2.3l engine bay

And the exhaust system, need to swap that over

 

RonD---Thanks for the info,this is not really a labor of love,more a retiree looking for something to do over the winter breeding 2 trucks that have been around awhile.

 

2011 Supercab Thanks for the info, I didn't think about the pats system. I have 2 complete trucks so I should have everything,I did not think about the ignition tumbler. thanks again. Happy Holidays