Can anyone help me I am not familiar w/Ford V6s at all I have a rebuilt 3.0 inmy 95 taurus and am going to part out because tranny costs too much to fix. Can I use the 3.0 in place of a 2.9 in an 88 Ranger? I have a chance at a Ranger in need of head gaskets but otherwise clean truck. Can anyone help me?
You guys should Know this one! Thanks in advance

 

It's not worth the effort. I as well am not too fimilar with front wheel drive, but it seems like it wouldn't even work correctly. You need to figure out the difference between the front wheel drive transmission bolt pattern verses the 3.0 transmission bolt pattern. You'll need wiring diagrams for the Ranger w/ 3.0 and compare it to the Taurus 3.0 to make sure it will work right with the transmission. I think they began making the transmission more electric around that era. Another problem you'll have is the gauges in the Ranger. The speedometer is mechanical. Good luck with the sensors. You'll need to look out for all differences. What you're talking about doing is really really hard, maybe not feasible.

My reccomendation: If you want more power, just throw a 302 carbed AOD in. No messing around, and I believe they make the motor mounts for the 302.
What I would do personally is just fix the Ranger. I like my 2.9L. They're harder to make into a performance engine, but you're not gaining much power going to the 3.0. If you decide to fix the Ranger, have the heads magnafluxed to be sure that they're not cracked. 2.9s are notorious for cracked heads. If you find water in your oil, nasty goop under the valve covers, and water mysteriously disappearing, chances are you have a cracked head.

Pete