Ranger reliability
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Ranger reliability
I am considering buying a ranger in the future and am interested in their reliability. I want an '01+ 4.0 SOHC 5 speed 4x4 super cab. I am also going to be towing a 16 ft tri-hull boat. I know these trucks have a blend door problem (my fiance has a 98 explorer with a broken blend door) but other than that I don't know much about them.
How long can I expect the 4.0 to last?
Are there any tranny problems?
I should expect 18-19 mpg correct?
I currently own a 94 F150 and am sick of paying all the money for fuel and not getting anymore power than a 4.0 SOHC. My 94 F150 is a dog compared to my fiance's explorer and the explorer is heavier than a ranger!
Thanks,
Dave
How long can I expect the 4.0 to last?
Are there any tranny problems?
I should expect 18-19 mpg correct?
I currently own a 94 F150 and am sick of paying all the money for fuel and not getting anymore power than a 4.0 SOHC. My 94 F150 is a dog compared to my fiance's explorer and the explorer is heavier than a ranger!
Thanks,
Dave
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
On the tranny, there are rubber shift rail plugs that can swell and leak, The leak often goes unnoticed until there is noise comming from the tranny. By then there is tranny damage. The fix is to remove the plugs and install brass ones. The repair at a local shop where I live is around $125. The parts are dirt cheap.
The SHOC has been known to have problems with the drive train for the overhead cams. The fix is out there and many people have had Ford do it for free, depending on mileage. Ford has extended the warranty on these componenets. I'd run the vin thru OASIS at a dealer and see if the work has been done and ask the previous owner if they've had a repair made.
There is a post in here on miles on your Ranger; you might want to browse thru it. I've got 176,200 miles on my OHV 4.0, and other than carbon build up the engine is very reliable. The highest mileage I've seen on a 4.0 so far is around 265,000 miles. I would not be scared off by the first two items I noted above, but I'd be aware of #1 and investigate #2. Overall, these truck are very reliable.
The SHOC has been known to have problems with the drive train for the overhead cams. The fix is out there and many people have had Ford do it for free, depending on mileage. Ford has extended the warranty on these componenets. I'd run the vin thru OASIS at a dealer and see if the work has been done and ask the previous owner if they've had a repair made.
There is a post in here on miles on your Ranger; you might want to browse thru it. I've got 176,200 miles on my OHV 4.0, and other than carbon build up the engine is very reliable. The highest mileage I've seen on a 4.0 so far is around 265,000 miles. I would not be scared off by the first two items I noted above, but I'd be aware of #1 and investigate #2. Overall, these truck are very reliable.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
these trucks are built great, i have a 94 3.0L and a 94 4.0L. The 3.0 has 191,000 and no major problems have occured yet, knock on wood, just the basic water pump, tune up, starter, and the clutch at about 120,000 the stuff that does go bad after a whlie. the 4.0L has 165,000 and has been the same, no major problems, knock on wood, except the clutch after about 130,000. I would definately consider buying a Ranger, the newer ones I haven't had a chance to work with, but if they are anything like the ones I have, they are a great truck!! 
