My dad's ranger just died and the engine is beyond repair (370,000km) so how hard would it be to put in a newer 2.3? is this an option?

 

You can do it, but im sure it's quite a bit more work than just replacing it with either another 2.3L or a 2.5L (98-00).

 

I would think it would fit. They all have the same frame.

 

Not for the older rangers, 93-97 have a bit of a different frame up front.

 

94 is obd 1. 96+ is obd 2. Lots of work to change

 

But cant you just connect it up anyways, its basicly the same engine right? The obd1 just wont use all the sensors. ( I'm guessing)

 

The 2.3L DOHC (Duratec) I4 used in the 2001+ Ranger is a totally different engine from the 2.3L SOHC (Lima) I4. I think you would have an issue putting in a 1996+ 2.3L Lima due to the sensors like mentioned above, somebody might chime in on that one..

 

Oh, Didnt know that. I figured they were all the same

 

well this sucks i figured it would be awesome to swap in an 02+ duratec

the 98+ 2.5 will go though, 5speedin2.3 has one, you cant pm him though cause he got banned some time back

 

try searching yahoo and see if anyone has done a how to on a different forum or website.

 

if it was me i'd try to find a 93 or 94 2.3 since they are pretty much the same. anything newer than 95 is different engine managment system.

 

A Banned member has a 2.5L out of a 98-00 in his 1997 which was a 2.3L

 

which are both obd-2 and basically the same exact engine. neither of which are obd-1 or a duratech.

 

The 2.5L will only work with the 95-97 Rangers as fas as I know.
Ford changed the block on the obd2 Rangers.

Do a search, I'm sure you should be able to find my thread about it.
BTW my engine came out of a 99.

 

welcome back

 

Thanks.