Hey all, quick question I have a 97 ranger manual trans with a brand new jasper 2.5L engine with 5,000 miles on it. I have the opportunity to purchase a 2000 xlt supercab automatic with a 3.0 v6 4x4 that is spotless but the engine is shot. My question is can I take my new 2.5L engine and swap it out for the 3.0L?

 

The 2.5l Lima and 3.0l Vulcan don't have the same transmission mounts on the block, so transmissions would need to be swapped, you would need to find a 2.3l or 2.5l 4x4 trans/transfer case.
Also computer and engine wiring need to be swapped.

The 2000 will have a "returnless" fuel system, '97 uses a return line, you would need to get fuel injectors and fuel rail from a '98-'00 2.5l for your 2.5l.
In '01 Ranger 2.5l was switched to Duratec model, so I don't think those injectors would work but don't know for sure.

Or swap the gas tank/fuel pump and fuel lines from the '97 to the '00

 

honestly, in my opinion, its a lot of work without a lot of payout. the 2.5 cant really do a whole lot. Its slow, sluggish, underpowered, and gets the same mpg as the 3.0.
Its not worth all the effort to do the project only to downgrade in performance.

When in need of an engine, i go to my local junkyard. I find a vehicle that has been rolled, smashed in the rear or sides, and choose THAT as my donor engine.
---- WHY YOU ASK??? because THAT truck was running and driving before the accident made it undriveable. So you know that engine was running before it got all smashed up. Its a small guarantee that you could pick out a "core engine" for $150 (for the place near me)
And usually, from what ive seen - even trucks that had a front end collision are still useable. Maybe the radiator and such is junk, but rarely does the damage protrude all the way to the engine block. Most of the time the hood cant be popped open, so it takes some work to do it. But in retrospect, that also is a barrier because john doe cant open the hood and rob parts off of it. So most of the time its untouched.

(i should post a sticky about this)

 

It can be done with above statements but it will be an absolute dog in that extended cab i had a 2wd with the 2.5 and it had no acceleration. Id imagine it would be worse with the 4x4 it can be done but with time/effort/money to do it you'd probably come out cheaper with a junkyard 3.0l they can be had cheap with low miles and some even come with a warranty you'd probably come out better selling the truck with new motor and just buying a new 3.0 to go in the truck.

 

I'd have to agree with pearlkid9988. Going from a 3.0 to a 2.5 is going to be a huge drop. You are already familiar with the performance (?) of your 3.0; the 2.5 is a good engine, but is going to disapoint you even more.

Folks who own the 4 bangers, this is in no way a shot at those engines. great in their own way.

To the OP, these 3.0's were/are used in many Ford vehicles, and are plentiful in the boneyards. You can get them with low mileage, or rebuilt. I have 214K on my original 3.0, and should it give up on me, I plan to keep the truck and dump in another 3.0.