I’m just trying to figure out the best year 3.0 to go with. I’m not trying to do the tarus swap either

 

A SHO swap might be nice, don't know if it can be done but I guess everything can be done but can you do it !

A question, why not go with a 4.0L ?

My '03, 3.0L is so under powered I would love some extra cubic inches and then of course there is the FIVE point OH !

I did a 5.0 swap in an '88 and that was sweet so its doable.

 

2002 3.0l from Ranger of the same type, i.e. 2WD/4WD(different oil pans I believe), Flex Fuel or gas only matters for injectors size
Manual or automatic doesn't matter but you do need to change flexplate or flywheel to match your 2002 trans model, always install new rear main seal regardless

Any other year from 1991 to 2008 Ranger will work as a Long Block swap, except car 3.0ls
Long block is the block with heads, valve train, cam and timing chain intact
So you add your current upper and lower intakes(with injectors and spark), water pump and accessories, oil pan(always new oil pump), valve covers and exhaust manifolds to the Long block

You can see the changes over the years to the 3.0l Vulcan engine here: Ford 3.0L Build : The Ranger Station

But for plug and play you must stick to the same year, or wiring harness "may not" match, may not just means unless you can find someone who has done a swap from say a 2005 Ranger into your same 2002 Ranger there is no way to say if 1 or more wires on the engine connector have changed.