What is the driving difference between the 3.0L and the 4.0L V6 engines? I currently have the 4.0 V6, and I'm looking at some trade ins that are 3.0L V6.
My 4.0L V6 has so much power, and I'm used to the "passing speed" it has on the road, and the fact that it spins (peels) out so often. Will I notice a big diff. with a 3.0?

Thanks

Michael
not-so-mechanical Ranger driver

 

Well, we don't call it a 3.slow for nothing. If I were to go through the buying process again, I'd trade my 3.0 in for a 4.0.

 

Hmm..not wanted I wanted to hear, but the truth always hurts a bit. It's hard to find a trade in I can afford with the same engine. But I can't slow down from the 4.0. Thanks joe

 

Go drive one to see for sure. Mine will cruise at 90 and beat most cars from the light if they aren't intent on not letting you buy. Plus you can beat and beat on it and it will never break. I hear a lot of the not being able to pass. I suppose if you were sitting on their bumper and then floored it to get around in could be a problem. I use the running start method. Does the 4.0 have more power? Of course. I would have got one if the opportunity would have been there. But the 3.0 isn't a bad motor to have either. Especially paired to a manuel instead of an auto.

 

i have to disagree with you i have the 3.0 and it's a great engine, and i have no problems with power at all but again go try it for yourself. and make your own opinion

 

If you're used to the power of a 4.0, you will be greatly disapointed in a 3.0. Not saying it's bd, but I would not be happy with it. I could have had one, low mileage and super cab in better shape and 3 years newer than what I have now for about the same price, but I am glad I waited for the 4.0. The 4.0 has power whenever you need it. A 3.0 has to rev up to make power.

 

I test drove both, before choosing my 4.0. I must say, the difference is huge! The 3.0 felt like it had trouble getting out of its own way.

 

Yes, the difference is huge. The 3.0 is reliable as heck and you can beat on it like crazy, but the 4.0 doesn't require a "beating" to produce the power. I was very impressed with the difference and don't think I could go back to life in the 3.0 lane...

 

I have never driven a 3.0, I own a 4.0 OHV. I think if you drive either 4.0 OHV or SOHC you will not want the 3.0. This would be with auto transmission. the 3.0 does have a place with a 5spd manual. The mileage is very similiar between the two. I owned a Toyota with the 2.7 4cyl., the hp and torque ratings were similiar to the 3.0. Again with the manual trans it was fine.

 

i'm pretty sure you won't want to drop from the 4.0 to the 3.0 unless it's a manual trans. i don't have to have a running start in mine ('95 3.0 manual with 31" tires) and always have power when i need it. in an automatic, i don't think that will be the case.

spinning the tires doesn't have much to do with the engine under your hood. in these trucks torque and a light rear end will always cause spinning tires. like i said in another post, try spinning them from first through third gears. fun fun!

 

i drive a 3.0 and am happy with the speed and power it delivers. I test driven a few 4.0's 2wd and Ill tell ya, they put out a lot more than the 3.0. If your really into racing the 4.0 is the way to go. Superchargers, Hypertech Programmers, Cold Air induction systems, headers are very easy to find. The only thing Ive found for a 3.0 that isnt useless is headers, plugs, and K&N. I'd love to swap a 4.0 in there...I pull low 17's all motor now but with a 4 0 Id say mid to lower 16's no prob. and yes, the manual tranny does have a lot more "*****"...its in the making

 

I decided to not trade my 4.0 in for anything less than a 4.0, even though the prices on the 3.0 are about 1 to 2K less for a 2001 or even a 2000. I have the 99, and it has all the power I need. Just a bit loud...but it is a truck.
Thanks for the replies to all.

M-

 

be sure to check the prices on new rangers ... i went shopping for a used one and found that with the rebates the price on new was close to the used models i was looking at

 

hey man, if it means anything i have the 3.0 in my new ride and if u r at a red and try to spin the tires its almost impossible but if u upgrade it will so im told but if the 4.0 was avail. i would have jumped on it but the price was too much..... hope this helps a little....

 

I just bought a Ranger 2000 3.0 V6 4x4 Auto and its great. Its true that it has a lot less power than a 4.0 but the 3.0 feels good enough for me. I am upgrading from an old Ranger 94 2.3L 4cyl manual and it was much much slower. The reason I went to a 3.0 instead of a 4.0 is flat out gas mileage. My Dad has a 2000 4.0 V6 4x2 Auto and his truck is a gas gussler. It can beat me hands down in a race but you'll pay much more for a lead foot in gas. I dont know a lot about engines but I do know that my 3.0 V6 4x4 beats my Dads lighter 4.0 V6 4x2 in gas and thats whats more important to me.