I am going to get a new Ranger guys!!! It'll probably be a blue Ranger Edge 3.0 4x4 with a 5-speed in a regular cab configuration. There is one thing that concerns me though. The 3.0 liter is the lowest tech motor they offer in Rangers. The DOHC 2.3 is the highest followed by the 4.0 SOHC then the 3.0 OHV. I noticed the 2.3 almost matches the 3.0 in horsepower and is somewhat close in torque. The 4.0 blows them both away.

My question is...should I opt for the extended cab in order to get the 4.0 or will the 3.0 not dissapoint me if I get it? The thing is I really don't want an extended cab because they are outright gay and look like crap. I don't want a long truck and I don't need the extra weight and the room isn't much at all so its worthless also. So, what should I do? Is getting the extended cab worth it?

 

My dad has a 01 Ranger with the 3.0 in it and it is a gutless wonder.The truck runs fine and is a great hwy cruiser ,but it has no low end grunt at all.My 89 2.9 does better then it. the 4.0 will do you a better job in the wheelin aera.JMO


The 4.0 is just a bigger 2.9.The 2.9 is the best V6 ford has made!! The 3.0 needed to stay in the cars !

 

bigger is better

 

I recently bought a 98 ranger with the 3.0, and I kick myself every day that I didn't wait and find a four liter. You know i felt the same way about extended cabs untill I rode around with a friend of mine who got a regular cab. The selling point for an extended cab is the fact that you can lean your seat back. In a regular cab the back wall of the truck keeps the seat from reclining at all, and I realy couldn't stand to go on long rides in her regular cab. I am only 5'9", so if you are tall I would figure the extended cab mandatory. The extra space in the cab is nice too, I had a regular cab jeep comanche before my ranger, and there just isnt anywhere to put stuff inside the cab. I still don't like how the extended cab looks, but it makes the truck so much nicer to be in everyday I dont think I can go back to a regular cab now. Trust me though, if you like any kind of performance go with the 4.0. The 3.0 is brutaly slow, I already have a cat back exhaust, and have an air intake and a diablo chip on the way. I just can't stand to drive anything this slow anymore. I hope these mods will make this thing livable, but I still wish I had a 4.0.

 

Life in the fast lane will be a rare event if you opt for the 3.0 with 4x4.....and going up hills, Life in the fast lane will only be wishfull thinking. The only thing you will be passing on a grade is a fully loaded tractor trailer with his flashers on.

 

Definately the 4.0L. I have the 'marbly' 4.0 OHV but it's still a good engine with a lot of power (for a six). You'll appreciate the extended cab, seats will go back further for more leg room, etc, plus you have room to keep stuff dry inside. Wheelbase isn't that long. My work has a few Rangers with regular cabs and they're way too uncomfortable for me to ever own one.

 

Get the X-cab 4.0L. I too thought the X-cabs were too long looking and not as stylish as the standard cab. Once I bought one I realized how much that extra "worthless" room is really worth. So many things can be put back there and kept out of the weather. I wouldn't give up my X-cab now for anything. And the 4.0, from what I've heard, doesn't give up much in gas mileage considering the extra power you gain. Go Big!

 

Get the x-cab. Aside from the extra storage area, you will probably find standard cab to be WAY harder to sell when the time comes. In my neck of the woods standard cabs tend to be baseline rigs requiring the dealer to go out and locate it for you. Resale is tough on these and there is a nice reduction on the value. I also found the 4.0 to offer much more power; once again it goes over better at resale time. But on the other hand, you still gotta get what you want; take it all into consideration.

 

Hmmmmn.......I like my 01 Edge, reg cab, 4.0, 5 speed. No other Ranger will catch up with it.

 

It looks like the 4.0 X-cab will win this poll!!LOL Like I said the 3.0 should have stayed in the cars!!

 

I just bought my 2000 range 4x4 ext cab 3.0 and I wish I would have taken a poll. Don't get me wrong I was driving a 1996 ranger reg cab XL 4x2 with no power steering and no AC. So my 3.0 is a great upgrade. I didn't know about the low end power problem. I live in Colorado so I deal with a lot of hills. But I still like it. It was what I could afford. Hopefully with a few upgrades I can get a little bit more power up hill. Lots of good info at this site on what to do to improve the power.

 

I like the larger cab because the seats have more adjustment. I didn't like the feeling in the regular cabs that I drove of the rear window right behind my head.

If you are interested in towing, you may want an Automatic. The tow rating on the 5speeds is 1500lbs lighter than the autos. I wish I had known that when I went looking, cause now I'd like to trade.

-Jim

 

I have a 4.0 supercab. I dont think t looks bad. I like i better than the regular cabs. And although i have never driven a 3.0, I love my 4.0. It has plenty of power for me (but always room for more ) At least you havent neglected the 4x4 option. That also is a bug plus.

 

Well, how bout this guys. I just got my dealership to order (just so I can see) a 04 Ranger Edge, Sonic Blue, Regular Cab (of course), 5-speed, 4.0, 4.10 limited slip, sliding rear window, flareside.

Yeah, thats better than any 4.0 extended cab.

 

Where was this site when I bought my 3.0 gutless wonder? But I still love it and up hills is not that bad she just screams. I have not driven a 4.0 and dont want to so I dont know what Im missing lol.