hi i just baught a used 96 ranger. its got 56000m, 3.0, 5 speed trans, xlt, (some old fart had it, towed it behind his motor home, he said its got 30000 actual driving miles). any how i heard that the 3.0 has a problem with cracking heads if you rag on it . i only lite the tires up and show V6 cameros what's up. thanks for any help

 

Hi rangersvt04, welcome to FTE!

I've never heard about the 3.0L being known for cracking heads. It's a good, durable motor when maintained properly.

 

hey ranger.
I'm with my buddy Rock here again. I have never heard of a head problem on this engine. I turn my tires over all the time. Keep it clean and it will last longer than the truck will.

 

The 2.9 had head cracking issues (if overheated). The 3.0 is not related to the 2.9. Actually the 4.0 is related to the 2.9, so go figure.

Rand

 

I've got a '91 Ranger 5-spd 3.0, with 236k miles on it, and still get around 21 mpg. I haven't heard anything about the cracking heads either. I bought the truck new, and I haven't had to do anything other than normal maint. Changing oil every 3k religiously, and keeping the other fluids and filters changed as well. All in all, I've spent less than $1200 on repairs in the 12 yrs I've owned it, and this includes 1 clutch, starter, water pump, and alternator, and all of that came at 160k + miles. This is nice when you don't have to make a payment or work on it either! There is no doubt in my mind that the Ranger is the best compact truck on the road!!