3.0 vs 4.0
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New User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: champaign, il
3.0 vs 4.0
Hi all- new to group. I have '02 Edge (2wd, v6, 5spd.) Somewhat disapointed w. accelaration at all speeds, but admit that it pulls great in 1st gear. Would love to put headers etc. on it, to gain some needed power.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 576
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From: crete, illinois
the 3.slow is what it is....slow! do all the mods you want and i think you'll still be dissapointed. however, you can kick it in the mouth as hard you can and it still won't give up. run good oil and filters and it will last. i've done everything with mine, 4wheel, towed boats, jet-skis, pulled out bushes and some smaller trees, pulled a couple harleys and some big-rig equipment, etc. etc. its got 84,000 miles on her and it still runs as good as the day i picked it up. at first i hated the pukey motor but after all that i really can't complain anymore!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
Current specs:
4.0 * 207HP * 238ft-lb (SOHC)
3.0 * 148 HP * 180ft-lb
Older versions:
4.0 * 160HP * 225ft-lb (OHV)
3.0 * 145HP * 165ft-lb
Most people notice a rather substantial performance increase with the 4.0 with the expense being only about 1 MPG. Most people also notice a substantial performance increase in the SHOC 4.0 vs the OHV 4.0.
4.0 * 207HP * 238ft-lb (SOHC)
3.0 * 148 HP * 180ft-lb
Older versions:
4.0 * 160HP * 225ft-lb (OHV)
3.0 * 145HP * 165ft-lb
Most people notice a rather substantial performance increase with the 4.0 with the expense being only about 1 MPG. Most people also notice a substantial performance increase in the SHOC 4.0 vs the OHV 4.0.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Dec 1, 2005 at 04:21 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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is that at the rear wheels or at the crank?anyone who has owned a v8 will say they both are slow.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Duh anyone who owns a V8 would say that. I drive three V8s regularly and KNOW that my Ranger isn't exactly quick. But it kills all of them in gas mileage.
I agree, if you wanted power you shoulda gone with a V8. I have the 4.0L and I find it very nice. It has enough power.
eBay if you want any useful mods.
I agree, if you wanted power you shoulda gone with a V8. I have the 4.0L and I find it very nice. It has enough power.
eBay if you want any useful mods.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 576
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From: crete, illinois
i tend to think a v8 or a diesel ( yes their powerful) are just a waste unless your towing horses, 30' boats, big dodges or chevys (lol), or a house (lol)! how fast do you have to get from stop light to stop light. and when your on the interstate, you get to speed and put on thr cruise! believe me all guys love big motors and throaty exhaust but it ain't the '60s anymore so with gas being as much as it is i'll settle with the v6 whether it be the 3.0 or the 4.0. as long as i can do the things with it i have mentioned and it lasts me 200k then i a happy FORD ranger lover (frdrngrlvr)!!!! 
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 415
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From: Burlington Vermont area
I solve this problem 2 ways.
1) I leave my 4.0L 5 speed at home when I want to go fast. My 1200cc 4 speed has half the hp, better mpg and sounds much sweeter! If I could only find good snow tires for it...
2) Move to a place where it makes no sense to go fast. Sometimes I stop to take scenic photos on my commute, often I go the long way. I tradded a hometown with 1000 traffic lights for one with a single traffic light - and I go around that one! This has made a BIG difference.
1) I leave my 4.0L 5 speed at home when I want to go fast. My 1200cc 4 speed has half the hp, better mpg and sounds much sweeter! If I could only find good snow tires for it...
2) Move to a place where it makes no sense to go fast. Sometimes I stop to take scenic photos on my commute, often I go the long way. I tradded a hometown with 1000 traffic lights for one with a single traffic light - and I go around that one! This has made a BIG difference.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: central ohio
one other thing to note about the 3.0 is that it makes its power at a higher rpm than the 4.0 the 3.0 is a very reliable motor and it does great in a taurus chassis. would be best in a ranger with a automatic and low gearing such as 3.73 or 4.10s ive only ever drivin a 2.3 and 4.0 ive read that there isnt much fuel milage difference between the 3.0 and 4.0 motors, might as well get the 4.0 and have the extra power. mine is the older (non-o.h.c.) 4.0 im sure the newer version makes mine seem underpowered.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Yeah the newer has 207 horses, whereas the older has only 160. I noticed a difference.
Back in the day lol, with the older 4.0L and 3.0L engines, you could not only get better power but better fuel economy with the 4.0L as well. One of those weird things that happens.
Both are very reliable. Not four-banger reliable, but very reliable.
Back in the day lol, with the older 4.0L and 3.0L engines, you could not only get better power but better fuel economy with the 4.0L as well. One of those weird things that happens.
Both are very reliable. Not four-banger reliable, but very reliable.