I have a new 04 Ranger 3.0 flex. I have looked through I think all the threads for this subject. I have a bad Harmonic at about 3200 RPM and again around 4000. The engine has a hard time punching through the 32 and it buzz's the the dash parts. I only have 5000 mi. on it, and was hoping it would go away (need to break in). I was looking for a Fluid Harmonic balancer, I understand these are the best, I have not found one. This engine has verry little power and I am not happy! I was told the truck had the 4.0 engine when I got it, the dealers in LA are viscous, they found a way not to let me test drive, long story. I am in trouble if I have to take it back to the dealer (not) so I will have to fix it myself. It looks like there is no balancer on this engine? This thing has 4:10 gears so it makes a lot of noise at speed. I hope someone has an idea, I will have to keep this for a long time, upside down part of the long story. Be carefull of the Power Dealers. I have had two other Fords in my life 57 312ci. fun, and 1929 roadster still have 30 year project 40's hot rod. Thanks for any help. Have fun, Dave

 

Welcome to FTE!

I've never heard of a harmonic balancer problem on the 3.0L. I feel strongly that there is something else wrong.

Whatever your issues are with the dealer, put them behind you and take the truck back to get fixed under warranty. Or simply take it to another dealer. Don't let a negative buying experience deprive you of the benefits of the warranty.

 

Thanks - I have been to two dealers and have been treated poorly, but there is one more I can try, it is a distance but I will try. I was talking to my son and he said they are going to tell me it is at acceptable levels. This is an old engine and it is not going to run like a modern one. I just came away from a DOHC and this 3.0 is an old pushrod engine, that is a lot of extra parts. I don't want to know how good the 4.0 runs, I think it will just make me more upset. I drive a 5.4 at work every day and it runs so smooth I sometimes have run the starter again thinking it was off. You don't think I will find a balancer? I put one on a Ford T from a 283 Chevy, I know it is not suposed to work but you would not believe the differance, all the bolts stayed in the car, it was a speedster. I think my 57 312 ran smoother. I like the modern engines in the new trucks a thirty year old engine needs to be put to rest. Oh well thanks I like your site.