hello, I just got an 87 ranger, tore the engine down found a cracked head. I know these engines are pretty notorius for cracking heads. I was wondering where a good place to get new heads is? I dont want to get the same ones and have them crack again if the engine happens to overheat. I have heard that after 89 the heads were improved would it be best to go to the wreckers and pull the heads off a newer model or is there a company out there that has made improved ones? Thanks

 

Welcome to FTE!
World Products made a head for these for that very reason. I don't believe they still make them but you may get lucky and find a set somewhere. I just did a quick Google search and came up a with a few sites that still listed them but showed them as unavailable, so unless you can find some NOS new, you're probably limited to used ones.

I had a set on my 2.9, in fact I did a writeup on the swap here on the site years ago, but when I finally yanked the 2.9 out of my '89 and swapped in a 5.0 I sold those heads. Here's the article just for the heck of it:

2.9 Ranger Head Replacement .: Articles

 

I read that article awhile ago, its actually quite helpful. I havent been able to find any used ones, but does anyone think it is worth it to get the heads redone with new valves and all or do you think they will end up cracking in the future?

 

Later 2.9L heads were revised and less crack prone. Look for heads from a 1989 or later 2.9L.
There is a good write up at a website called "The Ranger Station".

I owned a 2.9L Ranger and used it hard towing my race car with a 2 axle open car trailer, sold it to my nephew and he drove it ever harder. At 180K miles is was still running fine when he sold it.