Just dropped 1300$ on "new" used engine and "parts" for my 04 with 120k miles after yet another major drive train failure. For those keeping count thats 2 rangers over 9 years, 2 motor fails, 3 transmission fails. Those 3.0 motors I hear are 300k motors...im not seeing anything close to that.

New motor is a 90k out of an 04 taurus.

Things that will be "new"

head gaskets/bolts
valve stem seals
oil pump
timing chain set
water pump
injectors
iac (was having issues before the fail)

 

Rumage through the cab for bobby bradys tiki idol. But seriously thats a bummer. My 99 4.0L hit 200k when I sold it and seemed like it had at least another 100k. My 07 4.0L has 135k and feel like new. I haven't read which motor is more reliable but, dang. This is just a thought but, every Taurus I've seen was usually never maintained and beat to heck. I might go for a rebuilt with a warranty this time.

 

lol, you think the Taurus 3.0s are unmaintained, you cant find a ranger 3.0 with under 150k miles and have either been towing stuff 2x their size, filled with concrete, or used as a full size 4x4. And those are for $1000. I did find one cheaper. It had taken a guard rail through the radiator and out the left front fender, broke the nose off the water pump and had both old and new oil dripping from every corner. Guy said he could let me have it for a deal since "all you would have to do is replace the water pump and drop it in". $500, SUCH A STEAL!

 

The JOY of older vehicles. I got my '96 from my mom when it had 65k on it. It's pushing 260k now and the engine runs great. However, I am on my second tranny rebuild. These smaller trucks get used hard and nothing is really cheap to repair any more.

 

I am sorry for your pain. I hope you break the curse!

 

be sure to get the Ranger head gaskets, they are different than FWD gaskets. the coolant flows different in RWD vs FWD.

 

yep, done and done. All parts in hand. Motor should be in today to be picked up tomorrow.