Some help?
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Some help?
Hello,
I'm new to the ford truck world but always owed a ford car. I need a pickup for work and play and some light hauling (4 wheeler, TV, ect...) I'm thinking from a 95 to a 2000 as far as model years go. My question start with this. What are the year to year changes for the ranger. What motor is best? I know i want to stick with the v6 and an auto trans. Id also like to stay away from push button 4 wheel drive. Just don't like it.
On a side note do any of these trucks share the same block as the 3.8 thunderbirds? I have an 3.8 SC motor sitting here that maybe sometime down the road would like to drop into a ranger. Think that be a fun swap
I'm new to the ford truck world but always owed a ford car. I need a pickup for work and play and some light hauling (4 wheeler, TV, ect...) I'm thinking from a 95 to a 2000 as far as model years go. My question start with this. What are the year to year changes for the ranger. What motor is best? I know i want to stick with the v6 and an auto trans. Id also like to stay away from push button 4 wheel drive. Just don't like it.
On a side note do any of these trucks share the same block as the 3.8 thunderbirds? I have an 3.8 SC motor sitting here that maybe sometime down the road would like to drop into a ranger. Think that be a fun swap
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Well the 1993-1997 share a lot in common and the 1998-I believe 2002 share a lot in common. "Best" motor I would say is the 4.0L, biggest engine that comes stock with the Ranger. There is also the 3.0 (or 3.slow) that you can get, most people dun like it though. The little four banger gets great gas mileage, but yeah that's about it.
As far as I know push button is all you're gonna get, sucks eh?
Best of luck.
As far as I know push button is all you're gonna get, sucks eh?
Best of luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
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From: Alvin, Texas.
PVH hubs on the 98-01 Rangers are lousy. You can swap in the Exploder front axle to change that.
Push button t-case....well, I've never had 4x4, but I've warmed up to automatics--the electronic ones--as of late. If you keep the motor for the shifter clean, it'll be okay.
4.0L v6 is the way to go. Before the SOHC 4.0L came in, preferably. Read on about the issues of the newer 4.0L if you are in suspense....
The good thing for 4 cylinders is that for performance, you only replace on of most parts. Headers? One. Head? One to buy or to port/polish. Valves? 4 less than a v6. Pushrods? None.
As for that hog of a 3.8L from the RWD cars, none of the Ranger engines share a thing with that block. Yeah, a 3.8L is unique, but from what I heard from past swaps, it's more work than a 302 swap AND you'll want more cylinders later on anyway!
Push button t-case....well, I've never had 4x4, but I've warmed up to automatics--the electronic ones--as of late. If you keep the motor for the shifter clean, it'll be okay.
4.0L v6 is the way to go. Before the SOHC 4.0L came in, preferably. Read on about the issues of the newer 4.0L if you are in suspense....
The good thing for 4 cylinders is that for performance, you only replace on of most parts. Headers? One. Head? One to buy or to port/polish. Valves? 4 less than a v6. Pushrods? None.
As for that hog of a 3.8L from the RWD cars, none of the Ranger engines share a thing with that block. Yeah, a 3.8L is unique, but from what I heard from past swaps, it's more work than a 302 swap AND you'll want more cylinders later on anyway!
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hog of a 3.8? I love my 3.8 SC!!!. I looked tro auto trader for a bit seems these trucks go from about 6 to 10. Not to bad. How is the auto tranny in these trucks? And what do u mean keep the motor clean? I know it must have an servo motor someplace but u have to take it out and clean it? How involved is the Explore front axel swap? ANy other + from doing it besides the hubs?
PS: If i went v8 it be a 4.6 not a hog of a 302
PS: If i went v8 it be a 4.6 not a hog of a 302
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
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From: Alvin, Texas.
The 3.8L weighs almost as much as the 302, the SC may take it over that. That is a HOG for a v6, no matter what. That's all I meant. It is wide and would really be a tight fit when 60 degree v6s are the factory norm for the Ranger.
The early auto trannies, up to 94, were vacuum operated and I think they blow. The numbers back them up. The electronic versions can be chipped, so that firms shifts out, making for better gitty-up. The later ones were better. Just keep things in shape, like with fluids and filters.
The Exploder swap...since I don't have 4x4, I can't tell you off my head how involved it is. If you google for some Exploder forums, you can get details there. I don't think it's too bad, since they are of the same platform. Try to find anyone who tolerates the PVH in the 98-01's, though.
As for the electric t-case, keep the shifter motor contacts clean. Dirt + shift motor contacts = no 4x4. Temporarily. The Haynes manual outlines this.
(If you go 4.6L....PI heads, baby, PI heads.)
P.S. We await your official entry into the forum. With the Ranger in hand, of course. Good luck.
The early auto trannies, up to 94, were vacuum operated and I think they blow. The numbers back them up. The electronic versions can be chipped, so that firms shifts out, making for better gitty-up. The later ones were better. Just keep things in shape, like with fluids and filters.
The Exploder swap...since I don't have 4x4, I can't tell you off my head how involved it is. If you google for some Exploder forums, you can get details there. I don't think it's too bad, since they are of the same platform. Try to find anyone who tolerates the PVH in the 98-01's, though.
As for the electric t-case, keep the shifter motor contacts clean. Dirt + shift motor contacts = no 4x4. Temporarily. The Haynes manual outlines this.
(If you go 4.6L....PI heads, baby, PI heads.)
P.S. We await your official entry into the forum. With the Ranger in hand, of course. Good luck.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
I have a 99 4.0L 5spd Auto 4x2 4dr SC with tracton lock rear end, that I really like.
The engine/tranny combo lugs & tugs very well, makes towing a breeze!!!
Lots of low down torque & the 5spd auto tranny keeps the engine right on the torque curve, such that it never lays down on up shifts, just keeps on getin it LOL!!!!
Gas mileage on my 4.0L isn't too bad either, 17-21 around town & towing, 22-(24.8 best highway.
Use the heck out of the 4dr's, plenty handy for getting to & carrying things in the cab.
I special ordered mine loaded & I use every option.
It does everything well & even after 6 years, it still brings a smile to my face everytime I drive it!!!
Believe Ford got it mostly right on this one. IMHO
The engine/tranny combo lugs & tugs very well, makes towing a breeze!!!
Lots of low down torque & the 5spd auto tranny keeps the engine right on the torque curve, such that it never lays down on up shifts, just keeps on getin it LOL!!!!
Gas mileage on my 4.0L isn't too bad either, 17-21 around town & towing, 22-(24.8 best highway.
Use the heck out of the 4dr's, plenty handy for getting to & carrying things in the cab.
I special ordered mine loaded & I use every option.
It does everything well & even after 6 years, it still brings a smile to my face everytime I drive it!!!
Believe Ford got it mostly right on this one. IMHO
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Tomrrow im stoping by some dealers. See if we can make somthing happen. A fast look at autotrader shows a few around my area. so will see
PS:On a non pi motor its not the heads that cant flow but the intake. U can port match an PI intake to NPI heads and get a good flowing cheap upper end.
PS:On a non pi motor its not the heads that cant flow but the intake. U can port match an PI intake to NPI heads and get a good flowing cheap upper end.
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