is the parts off of a fwd 3.8 the same or are they different just trying to explore all my options.

 

While some parts may interchange, the blocks are clearly cast with the FWD or RWD lettering right on the blocks. There are also some exterior parts, such as the water pump and water pump pulley, that are different.
I know because I have a '95 Mustang with the 3.8 and a '97 Thunderbird with the 3.8 and I've tried to replace lots of discontinued RWD parts with FWD parts and they don't mix. My advice is to keep looking for RWD parts to put in your RWD vehicle.

 

i have a 95 windstar with a 3.8 liter engine and was wondering if a camshaft out of a rwd engine will fit ? my engine has roller lifters and there is a little rust on the cam lobes with a bit of pitting. where would be a good place to buy a new or reground one. would i need new lifters and pushrods,and rocker arms to? i am trying to go low budget. would used ones from the wrecking yard work or is that to redneck.

 

Well, I picked a year out of random (95), and it shows that the RWD and the FWD Ford cars use the same camshaft. I would have no problem reusing the roller lifters either, but would probably run them on the exact same cylinder that they were pulled out of.