I joined this forum because of this thread. I know its old, but I hope that I can maybe clear up some things. I am a mechanic, have worked on anything from AMC to Volkswagon, and am now pursuing my degree in Mech Engineering. I have many friends who are also in the industry. One in particular works with an engine machine shop. One works for a Ford dealership here in NC, just down the highway from me. My family still living up north has extensively worked for ford for several generations. Between the several of us (friends, family, and me), we have experience with both engines. I drive a 2.3 Duratec ranger everyday (chain timed, dohc, non-lima). I have been around all engines offered in explorers and rangers (and most engines produced by FoMoCo over the last 30 years or so).

Technically speaking, from an engineers perspective, any modern automobile engine is a marvel of complex engineering and human ingenuity. The 4.0 and 3.0 are both relatively well designed engines that are capable of serving their operators and platforms well, if maintained appropriately. Anything that whirrs along at several thousand rotations per minute, day in and day out for hundreds of thousands of miles, at high temperatures, for perhaps even decades at a time without significant servicing deserves some kind of respect. It really is an amazing thing, how much stress and force that these engines go through on a daily basis.

Anyhow,

There are two 4.0 engines. Cologne 4.0 (until 2000 or so) and Cologne 4.0 SOHC (Started around 1997). I don't like either of them.

The 4.0 SOHC is a challenging engine to rebuild and repair, which also means it is expensive to do so as well (for the average individual). Timing virtually requires Ford special tools, which many folks lack. This is why many are seen in scrapyards; repair cost outweighs net worth of the vehicle, and may not be worth the effort to the owner. I hate working on the SOHC 4.0. I dont touch them anymore. Many individuals opt for a low mileage used engine over having me or my counterparts rebuild theirs due to the time and labor involved.

3.0 VS 4.0 SOHC? I would take the 3.0. If I was forced to pick from those two. In my personal experience, with those who I have dealt with, I see less trouble from them. And the other engine options are relatively easier to work on as far as maintenance/repair goes.

3.0 Vs 4.0? Both have their pros and cons. Either will serve you well is well maintained. The 3.0 isn't a turd like many make it out to be. The 4.0 is also prone to issues.

4.0 vs 4.0 SOHC. Id take the 4.0.

If I were shopping for another ranger, I would buy any 2.3 that has been well kept and not abused.

If I needed power, I would buy a ranger roller and drop in a trusty 5.0.

^Same thing as goes for explorers (with a few other things to consider). But fortunately, explorers have the option of a factory 5.0 (but unfortunately lack the option of the 2.3).

On the topic of economy. Don't expect much out of either. Buy a 2.3 if that's your concern.

Power. The 4.0 wins. But again, the 3.0 has more power than the 2.3.

If you can get a well maintained 3.0 for loads cheaper than a 4.0, do it. Unless the moderate (not enormous) gain in power is worth that much more to you.

Any vehicle, engine, transmission, etc has its tradeoffs. If you want power, go for it. If you want cheap and easy maintenance, go for it. One vehicle may break down more frequently, but may be incredibly easy to work on.

Main thing is, the original poster is doing his/her research. Which is the smartest thing one can do when looking for a vehicle. Just lookout for internet forum folklore. And the info parrots

 

97, 2wd with manual trans. the trucks odometer quit at 156,000 miles three years ago. I drive 100 miles a day six days a week. I did have to have the heads done last year. So at this point the frontend had had many parts replaced, the hyd clutch slave has been replaces three sets front brakes. four sets of tires. the a/c compressor quit. the heater will cook you.

The 3.0 gets somewhere around 21-24 mph, gas gauge and ode being broken I refuel every third day. Driver seat is all but gone!!!

The heads rebuild and installed was $1200.00 I have not had anymore problems.

Yes the power is not great, dont use any oil.

The little 3.0 just keeps going and going, once in a while I run it up to 75-80 mph, has some kind of drive line vibration. but I haul hay and guts in it and drive it daily.

Great little truck I would buy another one in better shape when I need it.

I figure somewhere around 300,000 miles maybe more!