3.0 vs 4.0
3.0 vs 4.0
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
I see no reason to buy a 3.0 if you can get a 4.0. They both get essentially the same gas mileage. They both have a proven history of reliability. But the 4.0 has a ton more power.
Why buy a 3.slow? The only reason I can think of is if the price was significantly higher for the 4.0.
That's my $.02
Why buy a 3.slow? The only reason I can think of is if the price was significantly higher for the 4.0.
That's my $.02
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
The 3.slow is often said to have the power of the 4 banger and the mileage of the big six. The worst of both words really... Not horrible gas mileage, but not great, and not good power either. It is reliable and will serve you well, unless of course you need to tow something.
I agree, 4.0L all the way! That's what I have and love it.
RP
Zach
I agree, 4.0L all the way! That's what I have and love it.
RP
Zach
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 164
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From: Cheswick, Pa.
When I got my '99 3.0 five years ago I was a little surprised it didn't get better mileage. I had just given up my 4 cylinder Toyota with a 5 speed. The mileage was of course better and you could really wind it out in the lower gears. Now I'm adjusted to my 3.0 and I drive conservatively to get the best mileage which is 19.5 mpg. I travel a four lane most of the way to work and back each day at 55 mph for 22 miles which doesn't hurt. Can't believe a 4.0 would get the same, but never drove one.
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
As its already been stated before, the 4.0 has quite a bit more power and gets basically the same fuel economy. Both engines are dependable and known for their longevity.
However, you should be able to pick up a used Ranger with a 3.0L for easily $1500-2,500 less than a comparably equipped 4.0L Ranger. Also, many of the 3.0L Rangers are flex fuel vehicles (maybe all the 3.0 are FFV's? not certain), meaning your going to be able to run E85 in the truck (currently E85 is about 35 cents cheaper per gallon around my parts).
However, you should be able to pick up a used Ranger with a 3.0L for easily $1500-2,500 less than a comparably equipped 4.0L Ranger. Also, many of the 3.0L Rangers are flex fuel vehicles (maybe all the 3.0 are FFV's? not certain), meaning your going to be able to run E85 in the truck (currently E85 is about 35 cents cheaper per gallon around my parts).
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 9
From: So. Cal.
...I travel a four lane most of the way to work and back each day at 55 mph for 22 miles which doesn't hurt. Can't believe a 4.0 would get the same, but never drove one.
Pat
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
That's what I thought, I need the 4.0! 
I have a 216 hp engine in my car now and our Durango has a 5.9 with performance mods so I wouldn't like the lower powered 3.0. I only drive about 100 miles or so a week so fuel economy isn't my main concern.
I thought I had read somewhere that the 4.0 had some reliability problems but I haven't seen that here so I'm gonna go with it. Now if I can only find the right truck at the right price. lol
Thanx
I have a 216 hp engine in my car now and our Durango has a 5.9 with performance mods so I wouldn't like the lower powered 3.0. I only drive about 100 miles or so a week so fuel economy isn't my main concern.
I thought I had read somewhere that the 4.0 had some reliability problems but I haven't seen that here so I'm gonna go with it. Now if I can only find the right truck at the right price. lol
Thanx
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I believe the 3.0 to be indestructable...........it also has waaay more power(torque) than both the Pinto 2.5 and the Mazda 2.3. When we drove the 2.3 Mazda back to back with 3.0 we honestly thought there was something wrong with the 2.3.
That being said, the 4.0 will DESTROY the 3.0 powerwise and if you have a choice go 4.0..........Don't even consider a 3.0 with the automatic.
The ONLY reasons I picked the 3.0 for my son's Ranger was the 4.0 was rare to non-existent with a 5 speed manual and I was shopping price...........because I'm a mean dad and was making my 15YO pay for it himself.
That being said, the 4.0 will DESTROY the 3.0 powerwise and if you have a choice go 4.0..........Don't even consider a 3.0 with the automatic.
The ONLY reasons I picked the 3.0 for my son's Ranger was the 4.0 was rare to non-existent with a 5 speed manual and I was shopping price...........because I'm a mean dad and was making my 15YO pay for it himself.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,343
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From: Higginsville, MO
My personal best with my 04 FX4 Level II manual trans 4.0L SOHC is 22.7 on a 165 mile trip at 65 mph with the cruise on and a few hundred pounds of extra weight. Thats running 4.10 gears. With my 400lb 4 wheeler in the back I once got 19.7 mpg with a nice tail wind most of the way. But in town driving is terrible and since I have a really heavy foot I manage about 14.5 mpg in town.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43
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I own a 2005 Ranger Edge 4.0L auto with 4.10 gears. City/ Highway combined but mostly highway, I get 20mpg. I do have a drop in K&N filter and 40 series Flowmaster. The torque and respone is much better in the 4.0. I highly reccomend it. I'm also loking at replacing all 3 of the cats with high flow cats.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 455
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Originally Posted by AlphaQlater
I own a 2005 Ranger Edge 4.0L auto with 4.10 gears. City/ Highway combined but mostly highway, I get 20mpg. I do have a drop in K&N filter and 40 series Flowmaster. The torque and respone is much better in the 4.0. I highly reccomend it. I'm also loking at replacing all 3 of the cats with high flow cats.
:-P
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43
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That, I am not sure. But what the hell, why not put them on there?!! ahhaha I have been reading on cat manufacturers websites stating that most cars are warranted for their cats for 5 yrs or 50,000 miles and should not be replaced otherwise. I'm wondering if I should actually wait til then or just do it. They did say that if they were damaged in an accident, then you can replace them 
. BUT theres something else that sucks. The 2 cats coming from each side have one pair of O2 sensors each side, 4 in total. One O2 sensor before and after the cat, it will require some custom work.
. BUT theres something else that sucks. The 2 cats coming from each side have one pair of O2 sensors each side, 4 in total. One O2 sensor before and after the cat, it will require some custom work.