what are some opinions on these two engines? which ones do people like more? Why? (if it matters 2000 and up)

 

3.0 fairly reliable, no power house
4.0 OHV reliable, ok power, thirsty
4.0 SOHC questionable reliability, good power, thirsty

 

the big thing on the 3.0 is no power generally a grocery getter.

the 4.0 ohv is that it is dependable but has no real aftermarket to support any power increases. Generally a air filter and exhaust is about it. Good engine overall will pull about 2500 lbs no real issues. I have 300000+ on mine limited to mainly oil leaks and a water leak I thought was a head gasket.

4.0 ohc, never driven one have only seen the references to timing chain/belt issues and not easy to work on

Dont know what he means by thirsty, I get as good milage with mine as they have on newer 4.0's. Just looked at tacoma and frontiers both epa avg is about 18. My 94 gives 15 in town up to 21-22 on highway. so I would probably say on average about the same as the new ones.

The 4cyls were mainly for cheap get around and they are out there if thats what you want, but I would go bigger as the mileage is not that much different and the power (4.0 ohv) makes up for it.

 

I have 110,000 miles on my 2000 3.0 V6 Ranger, 5 speed, and 4wd. I think it's a pretty strong engine. I do have a small oil leak (adding a quart every 2,000 miles) and there is some slop in the driveline. I use it from around town to hauling stuff out into the pasture on the farm. The 4wd works really good. I wouldn't say it's the most powerful engine, but it's dependable, and on the road, I get right at 20 mpg, with about 17-18 mpg around town.

 

Before I purchased my '00 3.0l 5sp I consulted with a Ford Master Tech - he said to generally stay away from the 4.0l engine. His advice was to go with an F150 if I needed the larger capacity to haul/tow.

 

thanks guys. i've been looking for a ranger and this info will help in my decision. i have a 250 now so i use that for towing and the sort. i want the ranger for hunting and going in the woods.

 

I have two rangers, One is a regular cab with a 4.0L 5 speed manual, the other is a extended cab with a 3.0L automatic. Both get about the same mileage, 21 mpg.


If you get a 4X4, your mileage will go down due to the added weight.


Both engines have over 110,000 miles and I've had the 4.0L since about 25,000 miles, the 3.0L since about 100,000 miles.


I've had problems with the fuel pump on both, otherwise regular maintenance and very happy with both.

 

I have no experience with the 3.0.

My 2002 with 4.0L SOHC has 220k miles with minimal problems. A fuel injector replaced around 100k, and thermostat last winter. I shoulda bought a lottery ticket the same day I bought my Ranger.

 

Nonsense. The 04 we have tows 3500lbs no problem and still gets high teens when doing that, our '94 only has 3.45 gears and it struggles with even a light weight utility trailer behind it but can return mid 20's mpg just driving around. Gears are key and the auto trans will suck more power and fuel than the manual.

 

The Ford Master Tech was probably referring to the SOHC 4.0l. It was right around 2000-2002 that the SOHC plastic timing chain cassettes caused engine failures.


Later models I've heard of having no problems.

I personally have a '94 XLT 4x2 Standard cab shortbed 4.0 OHV, automatic. It has 195,000 miles and has never failed me. I love it, although I think I need to change spark plugs and transmission fluid again.

I can get about 16mpg in town and up to 22 mpg on the highway, depending on how I drive.

 

i have heard of the timing chain issues. is it recommended to change it or do something with it at a certain millage. i'm going to look at a 2003 with 155000 miles on it. should i be considering this?

 

A 2003 SOHC with 155000 miles is:

a) already had the recall done and maybe
b) already had the tensioners done or
c) one of those that's going to go 300,000 or
d) ready to blow the second your check clears the bank

That help?

 

Get the service records if any. This mileage should have spark plugs changed, transmission fluid and filter, or just fluid if manual trans. Wheel bearings checked and replaced if needed. Maybe power steering fluid change.

 

well i found a 2000 stepside with 156000 miles on it. it was a one owner and was well maintained. i want to thank everyone for their response in was a help in choosing the right truck.

 

We have a 94 4.0 auto 2wd. Great little truck. Bought it new and drove the **** out of it for the first 100,000. It's at 160 now and starting to need a couple repairs and some maintenance. But nothing too severe. Was our only truck for years. It has done jobs fit for a super duty and driven like a GT mustang. The 4.0 has never quit or given even a hiccup.

Pound for pound I say it's the toughest truck ford ever produced.