I have made my mind up to buy a used Ranger. I have been a Ford guy for over 45 years. My wife says buy a c___, no way . From what I have read that the difference between a 3.0 and 4.0 is a choice more than anything. The 4 cly is not talked about much ,lack of power. I would rather have a automatic and I know that they were changed over the years. Is one transmission more reliable and less expensive to overhaul ? Thanks for any help. Ken.

 

What year(s) are you considering?

 

well I am looking for anything up to 2000. Depending on the price. Thanks,

 

A good Ranger auto transmission primer can be found HERE.

Which one is better? I couldn't say personally. I don't have experience with anything other than the 5R55E in my '98.

As I'm sure you realize, with regard to a used tranny, so much depends on how many miles it has been driven, how much towing and hauling it has seen, how often the fluid has been changed, etc.

 

My son had a '89 with the 4 cyl and I think it was the A4LD and it went out two months later and no used ones. Then $1500 to rebuild on a $800 truck. I know it mater on how well it was taken care of. Thanks for the chart. Your luck with the5R55E?

 

So far (196K miles), so good. Fluid has been changed every 60K or so.

 

I have 252,500 miles on my 98. It has the 3.0 and it still doesn't use any oil. It got 23 MPG the day that I got it in 2002 and still gets that today. A lot of people don't like the 3.0 as it hasn't got a whole lot of power. All that I can say is that little engine does what I want it to do and its nearly bullet proof.

 

When I get My Ranger it will be just transportation. Light hauling.I may be over 50 but like low-rider trucks. I will probably show it. Not plain jane. Thanks for all your help.