2002 Cougar 2.5L engine BLOWN

I just bought a 2002 cougar V6 manual with a blown engine. 107,000. Book says to drop the engine and trans with the cradle from underneith. Looks to me as it should fit through the hood. I am going to attempt this. Has anyone done this before? Any advice?

Time for a 3.0L. :sunglasse

You can do it either way. Me personally, I went through the top. Im sure most of cougar guys that have done the swap on newcougar.org have done it through the top too. FWIW, I think they even have a how-to on the swap.

cool, thanks. I was trying to find a cougar site.

Your in for it on Newcougar.org.... Prepare to regret buying your cougar. Well actually I guess you got lucky cause you bought it blown.

There is a huge problem with these motors 2.5 duratech before 2000.
Basically if you go around a turn remotly fast, the motor will blow.

I droped my cradel not that tricky and is the easiest way in the long run. Just get a bag of multi colored zipties and mark your plugs with the wires.
Take out the 4 bolts on the cradel and start to lower it.

THE TRICKIEST THING!!
unbolt the steering shaft from where it clamps down, it has a torx or allen head on the 2 screws. Dont let it pull out form the firewall, big mistake.

Any other questions let me know.

Also buy a 3L from a 2001 Ford escape and do the few mods it takes to fit it in, Way better motor.