How durable is the 4.0
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Florida
138K miles on mine, I've done absolutely nothing to the motor except oil changes at 5K intervals. I put new plugs in it a couple years back and I've changed the coolant a few times (every couple years). The truck has eaten a couple batteries in the last five years as well.
Yeah, the 4.0 is a POS.
Yeah, the 4.0 is a POS.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 515
Likes: 1
From: Hillsboro, OR
I'm at 102k miles on my 98 with the 4.0L. Been very good to me, changed oil every 3k, coolant an regular intervals, fuel/air filters frequently. Did spark plugs a while back and put a new clutch in. Been very reliable, always starts right away, has plenty of power empty or pulling... Check out the thread "miles on your ranger" for a little more...
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 0
From: York, NE
123k, runs good, starting to have trouble idling at cold start, engine fires up good but then bogs down and dies, usually does this 2 times, and then runs like a champ. Probably the IAC or something simple.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
178,300 miles on my 94 4.0 and I put all but 2.7 of them on the clock. It starts and runs as good as it did the day I drove it off the lot. No oil consumption between oil/filter changes (3000-3500 miles). Items replaced due to outright failure were IAC and temp sending unit (gauge). Hoses, belt, filters, spark plugs, etc I regard as wear items and are omitted.
The highest I've seen so far on a 4.0 is around 325,000 miles. That claim is made by a guy over in the Explorer forum.
The highest I've seen so far on a 4.0 is around 325,000 miles. That claim is made by a guy over in the Explorer forum.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: London, Ontario
My 1999 Ranger has the 4.0 with 117 500 km on it (about 70 000 miles) and the only thing that comes to mind as problematic is the thermostat which I changed two days ago and took the whole of an hour to do. Regular maintenance includes oil changes at 5000 km and every time it amazes me how well these engine run. I should really change the spark plugs, fuel filter, blow out the air filter and flush the transmission fluid, but nonetheless, the truck drives like a Lincoln and has put many a half ton GM in its place.
Sean
Sean
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Stone Mountain, GA
I have a friend that had a 97 Aerostar with the 4.0 in it, and he put 250,000+ miles on it and just recently traded it off for a new car. The only thing wrong with the vehicle was the alternator was going out and he had just started having some trouble with the transmission. I would say that this would say alot about the 4.0, considering most things that were done to it were routine maintenance.
I drove it, and all I could say was "I WANT IT" after I drove it.
I drove it, and all I could say was "I WANT IT" after I drove it.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 681
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, IL USA
My '99 has 98,500 miles on it and the only expense outside of 1 battery (battery did not die but I use my truck for camping and fishing and I put a new one in after 5 years just so i wouldn't get stranded in the wilds with no one around - kept the old battery as a spare!) and regular oil changes has been an oxygen sensor. The engine runs strong, has plenty of power and pick-up and I get 20 mpg highway and 16 mpg in town. Couldn't be happier!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Originally Posted by grease monkey
I wanted to know how durable is the 4.0 ranger motors and the reliability.
Is the 4.0 better than the 3.0 or the 4cyl.
Is the 4.0 better than the 3.0 or the 4cyl.
LK
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by LK
Which 4.0 are you wondering about, the older pushrod version or the newer SOHC version? In my experience, the older version was extremely reliable - but the newer SOHC version has had some issues.
LK
LK
Just when I was startin' to feel pretty good about my '02 4.0L SOHC....
Oh well..... time will tell......
Thumper47
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
great engine
189000K on my 95 XLT and apart from regular (irregular?!?) things like oil changes filtres and replacing the 
plugs - OK, I gotta ask. who designed that part of these trucks. little tiny men with long skinny fingers ?!?
Fortunately I put in Platinum plugs last time and should be good to go for a while. Like someone else said, you only have to do the wires and plugs once every great while so don't put in cheap stuff!
anyway, mine runs like a top and I have not exactly been kind to it. I lived up in Dease Lake for four years and the winters are the -40 variety and to get out was five-six hours on gravel/sealcoat roads. can't complain about the 4.0 or the truck itself. In fact my next vehicle will be another ranger if and when this one gives up the ghost.
Just wish the plugs and wires were easier to get at.
plugs - OK, I gotta ask. who designed that part of these trucks. little tiny men with long skinny fingers ?!? Fortunately I put in Platinum plugs last time and should be good to go for a while. Like someone else said, you only have to do the wires and plugs once every great while so don't put in cheap stuff!
anyway, mine runs like a top and I have not exactly been kind to it. I lived up in Dease Lake for four years and the winters are the -40 variety and to get out was five-six hours on gravel/sealcoat roads. can't complain about the 4.0 or the truck itself. In fact my next vehicle will be another ranger if and when this one gives up the ghost.
Just wish the plugs and wires were easier to get at.