Notices

2.9L Heads

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 06:56 PM
  #1  
tyler1987's Avatar
tyler1987
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2.9L Heads

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
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2013 | 11:37 AM
  #2  
TigerDan's Avatar
TigerDan
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Club FTE Gold Member
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
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2013 | 05:32 PM
  #3  
tyler1987's Avatar
tyler1987
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
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?
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2014 | 09:53 PM
  #4  
jimbbski's Avatar
jimbbski
Elder User
15 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
From: Chicago area
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.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
shadetree33
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
1
Jun 30, 2010 10:27 PM
CrazyFazy
Bronco II
7
Jan 29, 2004 07:22 AM
Kris_Ranger
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
2
May 29, 2002 09:26 AM
cfp12
Aerostar
11
Nov 13, 2001 06:22 PM
ummduh
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
3
Mar 4, 2001 07:51 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:32 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE