4.0 vs 3.0
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Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
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4.0 vs 3.0
I'm looking for another Ranger since I destroyed the world's cleanest '99. The 3.0 I had ran great but didn't have much power so I think I'll try to find a low mileage 4.0 to start another new ongoing project. I am very surprised at how few 4.0's are available in my area. Out of 88 Rangers I located within 75 miles, only 3 were 4.0's. Am I right to hold out for a 4.0?
Dono
Dono
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Kentucky
I have a 1994 ranger 4x4 with a 4.0 and get 19 mpg consitantly, it has 145,000 miles on it now and it uses no oil and runs great. I can't bring myself to the point of trading it off because it has been such a good dependable, low maintance truck.
Deerhunter
Deerhunter
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Joined: Dec 2004
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3.0 or 4.0 "that is the question"
Considering you had a 3.0 I'm surprised you are even asking this question. If you do any amount of driving up grades or tow a load (which you do) It's a no brainer......4.0 for sure.
I have a 98 ranger 3.0 manual 4x4. HUGE mistake for the type of driving I do. A mistake I would not make again. Don't get me wrong, it does the job but the extra sure wouldn't hurt on those long grades or when I'm fully loaded.
As for gas mileage, according to the government (see link below) and the average consumer, the difference in cost annually was all of....hold onto your hat....$ 87.00 MORE per year for the 4.0 vs. 3.0 on my make and model. $87.00! Seems pretty worth it to me.
Good luck and happy shopping!
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
I have a 98 ranger 3.0 manual 4x4. HUGE mistake for the type of driving I do. A mistake I would not make again. Don't get me wrong, it does the job but the extra sure wouldn't hurt on those long grades or when I'm fully loaded.
As for gas mileage, according to the government (see link below) and the average consumer, the difference in cost annually was all of....hold onto your hat....$ 87.00 MORE per year for the 4.0 vs. 3.0 on my make and model. $87.00! Seems pretty worth it to me.
Good luck and happy shopping!
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
Hey Dono,
Sorry to hear about the '99, it sure was a beauty.
Here's something to consider. As I understand it, in '98 Ford put almost the same amount of 4.0Ls as they did 3.0Ls in the Ranger.
However, during '99 and '00 the 3.0L was put in at a much higher rate rate of 7:1 or so, much of that having to do with the increased production of the flex-fuel vulcan during those years.
So that might help explain why it's harder to find a late '90s-'00 Ranger w/4.0L.
Whatever engine you decide to go with, best of luck with your new Ranger project.
Sorry to hear about the '99, it sure was a beauty.
Here's something to consider. As I understand it, in '98 Ford put almost the same amount of 4.0Ls as they did 3.0Ls in the Ranger.
However, during '99 and '00 the 3.0L was put in at a much higher rate rate of 7:1 or so, much of that having to do with the increased production of the flex-fuel vulcan during those years.
So that might help explain why it's harder to find a late '90s-'00 Ranger w/4.0L.
Whatever engine you decide to go with, best of luck with your new Ranger project.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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I have a '98 B3000, 3.L of course, auto, 2WD, 3.73 L/S. I actually like my 3.0. I like the limited low end power with the L/S axle in snow. Too much power equals too little traction on takeoff. I also like the fact that with the transmission in 2nd, that is the gear the truck starts off in, not 1st, a big plus pulling out in snow. That said though, I certainly wouldn't mind if this truck had the engine that's in my wife's '99 Dodge Stratus. The 2.4L with dual overhead cams is amazing. If I'm behind her from a dead stop and we both punch it, I won't see her taillights again until we get to a light or stop sign. And she gets twice the gas mileage while doing it. That would be a great engine for a Ranger/Mazda!! I just don't know how it would hold up in a truck. But I can live my 3.0L. Just wish it did a little better on gas.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 123
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From: Central Jersey
I had a 94 2wd 3.0L. Great truck, but the 97 I have now with the 4.0L has much better low end torque. It is a manual, not sure how the auto's are geared, but the extra torque comes in handy.
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Gone but not forgotten.
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Originally Posted by larpa
I have a '98 B3000, 3.L of course, auto, 2WD, 3.73 L/S. I actually like my 3.0. I like the limited low end power with the L/S axle in snow. Too much power equals too little traction on takeoff. I also like the fact that with the transmission in 2nd, that is the gear the truck starts off in, not 1st, a big plus pulling out in snow.
Dono
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Gone but not forgotten.
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The search goes on. I have looked (on the net) at over 200 Rangers within 75 miles and have located only six 4.0's, and they are all SC's, not a single standard cab to be found, with or without flairside. I have recovered the hard tonneau and the chrome air tube from the 3.0. I did find a Ranger Thunderbolt ... it was Ok, but I'd perfer to build my own.
Dono
Dono
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Central Jersey
Not sure what part of the country you are in, but I found my 97 on cars.com. A local dealer had just taken it in on a trade. They will also e-mail you if a truck you are looking for gets posted.
A buddy of mine bought a HD 250, crew cab, diesel off of e-bay. Had to drive to Ohio to get it, but it was a great deal He also bought a Jimmy from a guy in Florida, same way.
Good luck in your search. Keep in mind, the truck want is worth the wait.
A buddy of mine bought a HD 250, crew cab, diesel off of e-bay. Had to drive to Ohio to get it, but it was a great deal He also bought a Jimmy from a guy in Florida, same way.
Good luck in your search. Keep in mind, the truck want is worth the wait.
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Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
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I took delivery of my new project today. After spending two weeks looking at a bunch of Rangers, I noticed something that didn't make sense to me. After looking at a two year old Ranger with all options, I walked over to the new truck lot and found new '04's with the same equipment CHEAPER... thanks to rebates and discounts. I couldn't find another red one, but the black SC isn't bad. Tomorrow morning I will remove the EDGE decals and the mud flaps and the new never-ending project will be officially started.
Dono
Dono
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