I'd go with the 4.0 litre. My 3.0 sucks, I even average around 16mpg. Maybe in a few years, I may be able to drop a 4.6 in her.

 

Not that it looks like any more opinions are needed, but I agree with everyone else. The 4.0 pulls great, the 3.0 is 'adequate' when empty. I wouldn't take the 3.0 even if I got a killer deal on one, cause I know I would regret it later... Might want to look around for used 4.0's on Ford used lots. I know my lot has more than 5 Rangers (00 and newer) with 4x4 4.0. If you work a good deal you can get the price down to what you would if you bought from a private party, or close anyway. Good luck searching

 

Well I see you live in Fla. so it's all flatlands, such that you don't have to worry about hills like I have.

If gas mileage is of primary importance, you could probably get away with the 3.0L pulling a 17 foot aluminum Bass Tracker or the like in the flatlands of Fla. With 4x4 even sand may not be a problem if you get the right tires.
But this combo will be a compromise at best. The 4.0L is a blast to drive.

If you are thinking of dragging that float to the mountains, then I would definitely wait for the 4.0L.

I have a 99 pushrod 4.0L 4x2 5spd Auto 4dr SC with factory tow pkg & 4.10 Traction-Lock rear end.

I tow a 175 Tracker accross the Blue Ridge mountains to the lake 2-3 times a week. It does a fine job, lots of low end GRUNT & the 5spd auto keeps her right on the torque curve such that she never lays down on the up shifts, so it's a joy to tow with, makes towing effortless.

I run in the 17's on mpg towing.

Over the road running 55-70, best mpg was 24.8, around town best was 21, on Chevron gas & Texaco Synthetic 5W-30.

So remembering the old "Doublement" chewing gum commercial.... If you want to double your pleasure & double your fun...IMHO wait for that 4.0L sun-of-a-gun.

 

Definetely the 4.0, and I would look for one with the tow package as well. I bought a 99 xlt 4x4 5 sp, and I tow a 2500 lb boat from 2200 ft to 6500 ft. I was impressed with how well it did, but any less power would have been disappointing. I have 3.73 gears, and if I was towing a lot would opt for the 4.10 ratio too. The automatics have a higher tow rating, I guess due to the torque conversion.

 

Well..the consensus is 4.0L wins. FYI I live in Fla (no hills) and my next door neighbor pulls his 18' boat & trailer with a 4cyl Toyota. I don't know how much a 17' boat weighs, but I had a '98 XLT 3.0L auto and it had no trouble pulling a 500lb trailer with 1500lbs of material on it....used occasionally. I agree with the others that the 4.0L is a better choice, but the 3.0L can do the job. I bought the 3.0 because the used 4.0s were hard to find in 2000. I recently tried to find an '01 or '02 with a 4.0 with no success. Good luck in your search.

 

If you can get hold of an owner's manual with the tow listings, you will quickly see the differences in tow ratings that Ford has set on the various equipment combinations, including the engine, and that might be a really big help in selecting a hauler. The right engine with the wrong rear end or transmission is going to be a disappointment.

Here's a link to a Trailer Life (www.trailerlife.com) tow guide PDF for 1999 vehicles:

http://a178.g.akamai.net/7/178/8932/...owingguide.pdf

or

http://tinyurl.com/5p8km

It's not as detailed as the owners manual, but the ratings for the 3.0 have footnotes requiring both auto trans w/factory towing package AND rear ends of 3.98/4.09/4.10. The higher ratings for the 4.0 require auto/tow packages and 3.73.

 

Get the 4.0 I didn't have a choice. I got the 3.0 it is great IMO but then again I have never really had a strong truck. I'm just saving up to get it bored out so I'll be sat with the extra power.

 

Wait for the 4.0!!!!

 

As the owner of a 3.slow, I say GET THE 4.0!
I love my ranger, but it's in serious need of some *****.
Only good thing I have to say about 3.0's is that they last a long time. Guess that's why ford still uses them.

 

The 4.0 is a must. I am impressed with the great MPG some of you guys are getting however. I only get around 16 on the highway.

 

Hi there guys I agree that the 4.0 is the best way to start but I do own a 3.0 and I got a great deal on it with low miles and only $6000 I could afford to add some serious power to the 3.0! I bought my 98 ford ranger 4x4 xlt totaly loaded with tow pkg with 4.10 gears 3.0V6 , auto with OD and it has no trouble pulling my 79 mustang cobra on a 20ft car trailer! The truck came with these accessories nerf bars,graphics , sunvisor, venvisors,window louvers,tinted windows,dual exhaust,american racing rims,bed cover,keyless remote alarm system, analog phone,power windows. locks, and more! I bought every engine mod possible and it has added a major differance in towing and acceleration! Here is a list of mods to add to hp and torque( jba headers, cold air intake with K&N air filter, true dual exhaust with high flow cats and no mufflers, throtle body spacer, underdrive pulleys, granatelli mass air flow sensor, SCT flash tunner with three custom tunes, mpg, towing, performance, B&M shift improver kit, high peformance pugs and wires, and I also removed the stock fan and installed a electric fan. Yes I know most people wouldn't put that much into a 3.0 but I build up everything I own from cars, trucks,4wheelers and anything with wheels and engine! A 3.0 would do the job but if you can find a 4.0 go for it!