I got a 99 GV and it has 250k miles on it and getting kinda tired.  When looking for motors, the junk yard say the only a 99 or 00 will fit.  what did they change from 99 to an 03.  I got a good deal lined up on the 03 2.5 motor.  Just was wondering what the difference is between the two.  I can swap any part from one to the other, that no big deal.   any ideas?

I'm curious as well! I'd think that the "mechanicals" were the same, but maybe one or more of the accessories could be different (sensors, alt, or?) and that the wiring harness requirements could change. In other words not just a "plug and play" swap. You may have to keep some original external engine components, is my thought.

What does a good / used engine go for these days, if you don't mind me asking? I've got one I'm sitting on just waiting for my 246K original to give up. 

From the parts catalogues ...

Intake manifolds are different, engine management electronics & sensors are different, some differences in the transmission/torque converter if you have an automatic - doesn't look like anything that can't be taken care of by swapping the corresponding part off of your old engine.

That sounds good.   

Worst case scenario is to swap in the wiring harness and ECU from the donor. Sounds like too much work to me though, and that would only work IF both vehicles had the same style transmission (manual or auto) as that supporting portion of the ECU is different as well.

What does a good / used engine go for these days, if you don't mind me asking? I've got one I'm sitting on just waiting for my 246K original to give up. 

I paid $1,100 USD for a 25,ooo mile motor a bit over a year ago.

I figured it was just some of the small stuff that was different.  I swaped a lot of motors in my time,  and thats normally what it is.  I picked up a 130k mile motor for $300.  I thought that was a screaming deal came from a wrecked tracker.

Thanks for the info guys. I can see that it's apparently all in the mileage of the donor engine, as to price.

I'd be a little concerned on that 130K donor though.  Did you at least get to hear it run? It may be on it's last legs if it wasn't maintained well. Then again, it may have another 130K left in it IF it was meticulously cared for.

I did get to hear it run. I bought the whole tracker actully.  and all these motors seems to have alot of miles on them.  Just on here I hear of people getting 250k plus on them. mine has 247 and runs great  just needs new valve seals and has a rear main seal leal, which I found is a common problem.    even in the junk yards they are wanting $1000 plus for these motors with over a 100k on them.  If the motor i got for 300 is on its last leg then it must have been really neglected.  And I am only paying core price  so I thought i would take the gamble.

plus now i have a 2.5 for my tracker

mine has 247 and runs great  just needs new valve seals and has a rear main seal leak, which I found is a common problem.

You creep! You've got me beat by 1K! 

I've got a small leak up front SOMEWHERE (proly timing cover) but that's all that's wrong w/her. Still gets 23 / 24 MPG too!

I bought the whole tracker actully.

If you have any plans to part the rest out, I'm interested in the front springs and maybe the front diff (if it's a steel housing -  supposedly the 5 speed V6 from 03 onward had steel - just see if a magent sticks to it).

How about the front diff gear ratio Fordem?   

Concern ya'?

Nah - I can use the r&p I have now - it just means swapping it over, I have a friend here that can do it for a small fee.

the tracker was rolled over.  springs are going on the wifes tracker!   this was an auto , so had the alum housing or it would have been going in the race tracker.  rest went to the scrap yard.  most of the body was trashed