I just puled my 2.5 4 banger and found a 3 inch crack in the side and i am haveing a hard time finding a 2.5 replacement but I have heard that the 2.3 is the same block is that true ?

 

I've heard the same but that is with you knowing all your other parts you'll need with the 2.5 to 2.3 swap?

 

You need to be year-specific. '94 and earlier blocks are slightly different from '95 and newer. The easiest for you is to stick with the newer blocks, so the sensors and everything is OBD-II. '94 and older blocks will require some modification, run a shaft driven oil pump instead of direct auxillary driven, and require swapping over of parts, etc. and is not worth your trouble IMHO. Your best bet is to track down another 2.5L if you ask me, your trucks stock ECU is programmed for it.

 

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...cylinders.html

this link gives some good info on the lima 4 cylinders

I think the 2.3 and 2.5 are the same blocks, just the 2.5 is bored out a little more

 

2.5 is the same bore as a 2.3L with a different crank/rod/piston combo. In 95 the blocks for the 2.3 changed to use an oil pump attached directly to the auxillary pulley, the older blocks run a mechanical pump off of a shaft from the auxillary pulley. Some of the basic dimensions of the block also changed in 95 because the timing belt lengths are different; 131 tooth for 95 and up, 129 tooth for 94 and older.
The 95 and up are also OBD-II controlled (EEC-V) which uses different sensors than 94 and older OBD-I (EEC-IV). The crank sensor for the OBD-II is built into the alternator bracket which is also where the lower rad hose connects. The OBD-I is completely different, so that is another thing to keep in mind if you want to swap between years.

 

Bore is the same from a 2.3 to a 2.5. The motor was stroked 7mm to obtain the larger cc's.