4.0 vs 3.0
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by RangerPilot
The 2.3L will outlast anything else in a Ranger. Then again any of these engines will last a very long time if given the correct maintenance.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I can top that. My buddy Patrick (aka Bob) has an Exploder with 430K on the original tranny and engine. The guy who owned it before him drove it from Dallas-Waco and back every day. Patrick is takin' good care of it, just trying to make it hold on until he can get a new engine and tranny lol.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: Blytheville, AR
Geez, that's amazing. I've only driven like 20,000 miles in my WHOLE life, let alone letting someone drive me for 430k miles, although the last GF felt like she was riding me for that long, haha (that is in a completely non-sexual way, it is in a way that makes her a burden as in what the vehicle has gone through in 430k miles). I feel for that truck. He's metal has definitely been tested.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Yeah...every time he goes around a corner or hits a bump, something makes a little squeak. But he loves it to death, just asking it to hold on. And it seems to be willing. I've driven...almost 6K in my life lol.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I don't think '96. But yeah the newer ones are different. I'm not sure on the year switch over from older (160 horses) to newer (207 horses).
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
The Ford 4.0L/244 cid is the big brother in a family of Ford V6 engines that were built in Cologne, Germany, and have been used in domestic Fords since the early ’70s. The original 2.6L engine was replaced by the 2.8L, which was upgraded to the 2.9L and then finally bored and stroked to make it into the 4.0L that was used in the Rangers, Aerostars and Explorers starting in 1990. It was replaced by a SOHC engine from this same family at the end of model year 2000.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
Originally Posted by mikemic
I guess I'll have to jump in to defend the 3.0 vulcan. I get 21 mpg mixed mileage in a 4x4 regular cab stick. The one thing you don't hear people dumping on the 3.0 for is reliability. Its a tough, all iron engine and has not had the timing chain issues of the 4.0 SOHC. If you want something that will last a long time with only routine maintenence, the 3.0 is a good choice.
My '00 Ranger w/ the 3.0 only has 65,000 miles on it (I bought it when it had 62,000) but, it's rock solid.
This little truck might not beat many things in a race, but, I ain't racin' it!
I bought my truck to use as a vehicle to go hunting, throw a lawnmower in the back and go to my Dad's on Saturday(s), and to go to the rifle range, and lastly, when I need to go through the snow to get to work.
It may not be fast. . . . but it's paid for!!!
(Heck, it was paid for [in full] when I left the dealer's lot.)
EDIT: And when I turn the key, it starts. Thanks for reading.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: Blytheville, AR
I haven't heard of any really common problems on the SOHC 4.0, but it is still a fairly new motor (compared to the pushrod) and a few years will tell us more about the longevity. Maybe you should check out the Explorer thread to see what they say about the longevity and common problems with the 4.0, they'll have had more time to check it out.