which 4.0?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
which 4.0?
Ok the wife wants to look at other rangers and since the later model 4.0's were OHC, how do they compare for longevity etc with the OHV such as I have now?
Milage on stickers doesn't appear to be any better in one or the other both get 15-21 it seems. Only difference to consider is the automatic vs the 5 speed manual.
Anyhow, just looking for some thoughts, still dont like the high prices on the later models I have seen!
Thanks Hank
Milage on stickers doesn't appear to be any better in one or the other both get 15-21 it seems. Only difference to consider is the automatic vs the 5 speed manual.
Anyhow, just looking for some thoughts, still dont like the high prices on the later models I have seen!
Thanks Hank
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
Stick with '03 and later.
Early SOHC motors had weak(er) chain tensioners, causing a rattle and eventually requiring ENGINE REMOVAL to fix, or you can wait for it go and bend the valves and nick the pistons.
Some of these go well into the high 100k, to the 200s. Several posts here of early models spitting out the tensioners at 90-120k.
The 5 speed automatic also has it's issues, mostly a flare between 2nd and 3rd. My new or reman (don't know, don't care) trans flared, but some Justice Brothers transmission snake oil fixed that.
Gas mileage: Best on my '98 Exploder was 20 on a long trip. 15.5 in mixed, lead footed driving. 11 in short trips to school (4 miles) and back.
16.5 in gingerly driven work commutes last year....
If you can bite the new-vehicle bullet and get one of the last--if there are any left--you might get a deal and an ESP warranty out to 100k. A local dealer here was showing $7k off V6s on his signboard.
Early SOHC motors had weak(er) chain tensioners, causing a rattle and eventually requiring ENGINE REMOVAL to fix, or you can wait for it go and bend the valves and nick the pistons.
Some of these go well into the high 100k, to the 200s. Several posts here of early models spitting out the tensioners at 90-120k.
The 5 speed automatic also has it's issues, mostly a flare between 2nd and 3rd. My new or reman (don't know, don't care) trans flared, but some Justice Brothers transmission snake oil fixed that.
Gas mileage: Best on my '98 Exploder was 20 on a long trip. 15.5 in mixed, lead footed driving. 11 in short trips to school (4 miles) and back.
16.5 in gingerly driven work commutes last year....
If you can bite the new-vehicle bullet and get one of the last--if there are any left--you might get a deal and an ESP warranty out to 100k. A local dealer here was showing $7k off V6s on his signboard.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: central ohio
personally i prefer the older ohv 4.0's, they are less horsepower, sure, but 160 hp is still plenty for the ranger chassis, and highly reliable. yes the ohc does make more power, even does a little better on fuel. but the ohv 4.0 has been a good engine for me, makes more of its power at a lower rpm, doesnt have the dreaded chain thing to worry about. as far as fuel milage goes, my '93 is a 4,300 pound 4x4 supercab with a manual tranmission, gets about 19 at the very best. im not a fan of the ranger-series automatics, some were good, some were junk. cant even tell you what to steer away from as far as that goes. i even prefer the older ttb frontend instead of the newer set up thats been used since '98.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Ok the wife wants to look at other rangers and since the later model 4.0's were OHC, how do they compare for longevity etc with the OHV such as I have now?
Milage on stickers doesn't appear to be any better in one or the other both get 15-21 it seems. Only difference to consider is the automatic vs the 5 speed manual.
Anyhow, just looking for some thoughts, still dont like the high prices on the later models I have seen!
Thanks Hank
Milage on stickers doesn't appear to be any better in one or the other both get 15-21 it seems. Only difference to consider is the automatic vs the 5 speed manual.
Anyhow, just looking for some thoughts, still dont like the high prices on the later models I have seen!
Thanks Hank
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
pawpaw its just a daily driver, no 4x required. Mainly in town some short trips to visit grandkids, typical stuff one get a pu for.
I have pretty much configured my current one with all electric seats, doors, etc. It has a lots of miles but I have NO PAYMENTS! I dont want any either, only plan to work for about another 2 years if possible. But a pu is needed for the short homedepot runs for cement, wood plus since its only the wife & I (she has her accord) it fits the garage just fine. But do I need a 4.0 probably not, but I beleive its better to have it when ya need it. No 4 cyls, or 3.0's, the lack of power and minor milage is not worth the effort. I do have a trailer to take to dump etc and the current truck pulls it fine, just as I noted in my "mystery Miss", I cant seem to find what the problem is. Gonna try new injectors if that is not a cure wellllllll...............
I have pretty much configured my current one with all electric seats, doors, etc. It has a lots of miles but I have NO PAYMENTS! I dont want any either, only plan to work for about another 2 years if possible. But a pu is needed for the short homedepot runs for cement, wood plus since its only the wife & I (she has her accord) it fits the garage just fine. But do I need a 4.0 probably not, but I beleive its better to have it when ya need it. No 4 cyls, or 3.0's, the lack of power and minor milage is not worth the effort. I do have a trailer to take to dump etc and the current truck pulls it fine, just as I noted in my "mystery Miss", I cant seem to find what the problem is. Gonna try new injectors if that is not a cure wellllllll...............
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Yup the pushrod 4.0L is more than you'd need for what your doing with it.
The one in my signature will turn in nearly 25 mpg running between 55-70 in gently rolling country side & 17-19 in urban/suburban type driving, depending on time of year. I tow my 175 BassTracker a good bit over & through the BlueRidge mountains a get 17-17.5 towing it mostly in OD where its flat.
I've hauled a good bit of furniture, moving the kids around, along with mulcher, riding mower, garden soil, ect, so like you I don't really need nor want the oversized F-150!!!!
So, my first truck, long since paid for, will likely be my last one, as I plan to keep my 99 4.0L until I drop!!!! lol Yup if I don't mess up, it'll likely outlast me!!!!
The one in my signature will turn in nearly 25 mpg running between 55-70 in gently rolling country side & 17-19 in urban/suburban type driving, depending on time of year. I tow my 175 BassTracker a good bit over & through the BlueRidge mountains a get 17-17.5 towing it mostly in OD where its flat.
I've hauled a good bit of furniture, moving the kids around, along with mulcher, riding mower, garden soil, ect, so like you I don't really need nor want the oversized F-150!!!!
So, my first truck, long since paid for, will likely be my last one, as I plan to keep my 99 4.0L until I drop!!!! lol Yup if I don't mess up, it'll likely outlast me!!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 0
From: Higginsville, MO
My 04 4.0 sohc served me well for 8 years and 93,000 trouble free miles. Bought it new and just traded it last week. I did have a few issues with the clutch and a couple pinion seals in the front axle but I never once touched the engine for anything more than oil and filter changes. I had 4.10 gears and 33x10.50x15 mud tires on it and averaged 18.5mpg found a daily commute of about 45 miles which 40 of the miles being highway at about 60mph. Loved that truck and miss it dearly but with 2 kids now it want practical.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
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From: Tucson USA
It looks like I will be keeping mine now. Put in some new injectors and she opurrs just right and has plenty of power. Best she has run in a while.
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