Can somebody tell me if the threads between my clutch fan and my water pump are left handed or right handed. I have a 2000 ranger xlt 4X4 with a 3.0 liter/auto tranny. I've never run into a screw on fan shaft before. Always just unbolted the fan and pulley from the pump. Also it seems like the whole AC unit is right in the way of me pulling this engine out for a rebuild. So do I have to discharge the system and remove it before I pull the engine or can I leave it together and "shoe horn" the engine out? Thanks, Jack.

 

My 1999 Ranger Service Manual shows the fan bolt as left handed.

Step 12 on the 3.0L removal is to disconnect the AC manifold and tube at the accumulator.

Step 17 is Set the AC compressor and the AC compressor mounting bracket aside as an assembly.

 

Thanks g_k50. Sounds like I need a chilton manual. What do you think of rod and main bearings, timing chain, and oil pump for a rebuild? Didn't want to worry about rings and cam/lifters. Engine has 115000 miles on it. Never had problems with it. Just started losing oil pressure pulling a boat. I got it shut down before it started knocking. BUT...on start up it knocks. Hoping my crank isn't toast. A trip to the machine shop should tell. The engine was a quart and a half low. That is strange cause it's never used oil before. Lemme know what ya think. thanks

 

Why would you not put a set of rings in it. If it is knocking then you probably have crank damage and it needs to be at least refinished. Which also means the rods need to be checked for roundness and size. if you got it that far apart another few bucks for rings is nothing.

 

Thats kinda the way I was leaning too. I was hoping to cut a fat hog in the butt.... save a buck. My shop is getting full. Got the heads pulled off my 302(82 mustang) and I'm putting a clutch/pressure plate in my 1990 ranger. That little guy has 192000 miles on it, and the lifters are starting to raise hell. Everything is letting go all of a sudden. Sucks to be me right now! HaHa. Maybe I should core my 3.0 and get a short block.

 

So you were towing a boat, eh? Was the boat on a trailer? Hahahahaha.

Sorry about that engine I've got a 1999 3.0L with 141,000 on it, engine runs good, I'm a little worried about the transmission tho. 4R44E.

This is what I would do, Take the engine out, take the pan off and take a look. Fix only what's broken and no more. If the crank's damaged get a used crank and see how the plastiguage lays with the used parts. Button it up and drive it with Tender Loving Care.

 

That sounds like my kinda plan. At least it fits my budget right now.I've rebuilt some older FE's and a couple of windsors. I don't mind short cuts, as long as I don't have to sacrifice a quality job. I know a manager of a local Ford dealership who pretty much owes me a favor since I got a 2008 fusion for the wife. Maybe I trade it in for a fleetside. I'm not in love with this flareside. I think I would go back to a manual tranny too. I had warranty work done on my auto tranny. OD wouldn't shift....kept going into "limp" mode. None the less, I like these rangers. thanks,Jack