What year did the duratech take over in the ranger?

 

It didn't. The Duratec has never been a Ranger engine. The only 3.0L engine that has ever been used in the Ranger is the OHV "vulcan".

 

I wonder why? Would the Vulcan engine be more relaible than the duratec engine?

I don't mean to start big discussion here, I know how some people feel about the 3.0L Vulcan engines.

 

The Vulcan is better suited for a truck motor
it makes its tq and hp at lower rpms than the duratech
(Vulcan hp 150 @ RPM tq 185lbs @3750rpm 1996
duratech hp 200 @5750 tq 200lbs @4500)
and the intake is not reversible on the duratech.
so you can't flop the intake around like the Vulcan does for the Ranger or the Taurus.
Besides why would ford want to take a way one of there most reliable motors they have ever made.

 

I can atest to the fact that my '99 Taruas will pull like heck at 3500 to 4500.
It plants you in the seat....... my wife loves it.
The engine loves to rev.

 

P.S. The Duratech is in the Escape. Brother in Law says it goes fast too.

 

It's probably been asked, but given the proliferation of duratec 3.0s, would a swap be possible, or does the DOHC nature of the Duratec make it too wide for our use? (yes, I know the Vulcan is technically better suited, just curious)

 

The Taurus's are front wheel drive, Rangers rear, Escapes rear? so you could with the right transmission, engine mounts, all wiring and computer stuff...a lot of work. You would have a better "racing" truck than a pulling one.

 

Off the top of my head, I think you'd need to fabricate mounts and also figure out something with the ignition (the Duratec uses a 'coil on plug' design). Not sure about the compatibility of trannies.

Escapes are FWD (or AWD).

 

Yep, won't work unless you put the under carriage, engine and xmission from an escape into a ranger.

 

I own a 99 Vulcan Taurus. The wife has a 99 Duratec Taurus. The difference is night and day. You would never think they were both a 3.0.
Power and reliability wise, given the choice, I'd opt for the 24 valve Duratec every time.

 

O, yeah! the duratec in my taurus never really needs to get above 3000 rpm's around the city, but load it up (it's an 03 wagon) and it can accelerate just as well, although the engine does rev higher, especally at the toll booths. It really pulls- with the combination of the power and the sensitivity of the pedals, I was squeling the tires out of the dealers lot when I first got it (not on purpose)! If only it was rear wheel drive...

 

AMEN to that!