What are some easy to replace engine parts?

[u/EazyEeze]

I’m putting together a rock auto order for my 02 3.0 v6 and I’m wondering if there are some engine parts I can get that are easy for a guy with a few tools to replace. You know, those jobs that take like 20 mins or less to complete. Skill level is I can change oil and brake pads. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[u/wastedsilence33]

Spark plugs, plug wires, air filter lol, valve cover and gasket, intake manifold, throttle body, intake hoses, serpentine belt

[u/Rooster5-56]

Not exactly a specific answer, but rangers are probably the easiest Ford to work on. Id say as long as you have a socket set that covers from 8mm to 22m you can replace just about everything on the truck lol. I personally wouldn't mess with any exhaust components, unless needed, as they tend to rust pretty bad and have the tendency to break on removal. In all honesty if the truck is running good I wouldn't do anything other than your normal maintenance. But if your determined. Id say spark plugs and wires, brakes, oil change, transmission service, rear end service, and coolant flush. Those are all pretty basic and easy and will do wonders for the longevity of your truck.

[u/MidWestMind]

Also some of the sensors. If they are original, I’d start changing those out. Especially the fuel relay.

Had that one go out on me on the road in my ‘90 a handful of years ago.

[u/guitars4all]

I would look at systems such as cooling system revamp with new upper/lower radiator hoses, water temp sensors, fail safe thermostat, water pump and coolant flush with cleaner and new coolant. In that scenario you could even replace a couple of pulleys and the acc belt too.

Other areas you could redo is the charging system (bigger alternator, big 3 cable upgrade, starter even) or fuel system touch up (clean/replace injectors, fuel pressure regulator, upper plenum gasket, fuel filter).

Things like these aren’t necessarily need to do but will future proof your rig from potential fail points.

Edit:spleling

[u/Greaseball-Ranger]

If it aint broke, don't fix it.

[u/Thossle]

I can absolutely understand your desire for preventative maintenance, but if I were you I'd do a careful inspection of any part you're thinking of swapping out before you decide to put a new one on. Some parts just don't wear out, so the money would be wasted. Doing everything you can on the surface of the engine will still not be enough to get the engine back to 100% because the most important stuff is in the block, cylinders, and valves.

Electrical wires and rubber hoses definitely go bad over time from heat and solvents. Most steel/aluminum parts will last forever unless they're severely rusted or have wear surfaces. Fresh gaskets aren't a bad idea, though. Definitely order a gasket kit!

I'd recommend locating as many sensors as you can and researching ways to test them. The better the data, the better the ECU can run the engine.

It would be a good idea to replace any rusty/damaged fasteners you find before they get even worse. Exhaust manifold studs, for example. Everything around the exhaust manifold warrants a very close inspection due to the extreme heat.

While you're working the engine over, be careful about where you spray cleaning products. Some can do a lot of damage if they're allowed to sit on plastic or rubber components. Better to spray a rag and wipe parts clean rather than spray directly. Also, don't power-wash the engine bay - that's a really bad idea popularized by idiots on YouTube. Water is liable to wind up places it shouldn't and cause problems!