I have a 93 4.0 right now, and Im looking to sell and try to get atleast a 98. It would be ideal if it where a supercab, 4x4 with the 5 spd manual transmission. My quesition: The 4.0 or the 3.0? Ive heard great things about both, but If I have to sacrfice one or the other for mpg or horse's for longevity I would feel confident.

what do you think?

 

I hAve a 4.0 in a 96 Explorer. We've owned it since early 1997 when it had 20K miles on it. Now has around 165K. I've replaced the rear main seal only because I had the tranny out. I've never opened it up, not even the valve cover. Still has the original everything (Starter, altenator, PS pump) except AC compressor (not really engine). It has been an excellent engine. I did have to replace the IAC a couple of years ago because of the howling problem. I probably could have cleaned it but chose not to. I would not hestisate to purchase a vechicle with the 4.0.


I keep fluids changed as required and fix things when they break. I have not had much to do on this vehicle.

 

I have a 1997 Ford Ranger and I have 125,000 miles on her. The only thing I had to replace is the upper and lower intake gasket and a couple of clutches. I keep the fluids changed and she still purrs like a kitten. I also heard people dont get much of a difference in gas mileage between the 3.0 and 4.0.

 

nah i really dont think that the mileage will be that much different, also the 3.0 has a 7.5 rear end as opposed to the 8.8, if u plan on wheeling at all, the 7.5 wont take the stress as well as the 8.8, but definetily go w/ the 4.0 no matter what, you wont be disappointed

 

I strongly reccommend the 4.0 as well. More power than the 3.0, especially the newer models, and a very minor difference in mileage between the two. It's called the 3.slow for a reason. If you plan on 4x4ing much, I'd definetly say go for the 4.0. I've done no major maintenance to mine, just keep the fluids changed on time.

 

Thanks for the information, Ill go out huntin for one

 

I'd say 4.0 too. I was sharing some info with a guy who was asking some questions about my 3.0. He asked what engine I'd recommend, and I told him for gas mileage, go with the 4 cyl. For power, go with the 4.0. When he asked about the 3.0, I told him it had the power of the 4 cyl and the gas mileage of the 4.0.

 

I have a 99 4x2 4.0L 4dr SC 5spd od auto with traction lock rear end & for the small difference in mpg, prefer the extra, off the line TWIST of the 4.0L & the effortless towing of the 5spd auto!!!!

I've not found that I've needed a 4x4 in the last 6 years of lugging & tugging.

Drive one & see if it'll bring a satisfyng smile to your face when you put your foot into it!!!!

With the extra weight of the SC & any other weighty extras it might have, like 4x4, 4dr, A/C ect, you'll likely notice the extra weight/load more, with the 3,0L Vulcan than with the 4.0L Cologne pushrod engine.

On my 4.0, 4x2, 5 spd auto od tranny, I get 16-17 mpg winter, 17-19 summer around town & 22-24.8 highway in summer & mid 17's towing a 175 Bass Tracker boat in the mountains.

With a manual tranny, you could probably do a couple mpg better, but the manual tranny isn't rated to tow as much & is a pain to contantly shift in the mountains or hills.

So if your likely to be doing any lugging & tugging, in the mountains or hilly country, I'd consider going with the 4.0L & a 5 spd od auto tranny.

It's rated to tow more & the auto tranny makes it effortless & a pleasure to lug & tug.

With the od, the auto tranny mpg penality isn't too bad!!!!

If you don't NEED 4x4, then, opt for the traction lock 4x2 & the weight loss of lugging around all that 4x4 mass, will make a noticeable difference in performance.

The ride will be noticeably better/less stiff, with a 4x2 also, as it uses a different suspension set up.

If the auto tranny is an option with you, test drive it, it's not wimpy at all & will likely sell itself!!!!

Just some additional thoughts/experience for consideration.

 

My suggestion, blunt and honest. If not towing or anything, get the 4.0 with a stick, less and cheaper maintenance. Look for a low rear diff gearing if you don't plan on towing or racing, save some more gas.

I have a '94 4.0L, 5 speed, with a 3.08 rear, I get around 15 in town (leadfoot me!!!, NOT a good example lol) and the only extended highway trip I took (100 miles round trip...yeah I know) I hit 18.5 at 75 mph.

 

If you enjoy fishing get the 3.0. It will make a great anchor.

 

19 posts...and I already know he'll fit right in.

 

LOL
Actually I had a 2001 Edge with a 3.0 and 3.55 gears, the 2004 Fx4 with 4.11's and a 4.0 gets the same milelage and I don't have to drive like I'm mad at it. The 4 banger done up right with a stick would be my second choice..sorry Ford the Vulcan is a not a good lump.

 

I have a '94 with a 4.0L 5 speed with 3.08s. The 3.08s aren't great for acceleration (can still beat a lot though, stick helps with that), but I get great mileage on it.

 

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.

 

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.