I'd like some input on the gas mileage and power difference tween the 2. I am mainly interested in pre 2002 4.0 cause I probably wont be able to afford a newer one. I know the torgue numbers are about the same and the taco makes 40 more horsepower but If I recall correcyly, dont the taco make power higher in the RPM range? Assuming matched tire size and gears, which has better low end towing and hole shot power? is there a huge difference in the upper end with the taco? What about ags mileage differences? has anyone have experience with these two trucks? which drive/ride better etc...? thanks for any input!

 

The 3.4 Yota will have better get up and go but that's because of the gearing. The 4.0 usually has 3.55/ 3.73 gears whereas the Yota will have something around the 4.10/4.30 area. They both get about the same fuel mileage which considering the size of the truck and the engine is really kinda dismal. My 04 SCrew,4.6 beats my brothers 3.4 Taco on fuel mileage. His-17-18 hiway, mine 21-22 hiway- same hiway by the way. The Yota will run more RPMs at any given speed than the 4.0. The 4.0 will have more torque at lower RPMs and is more American "friendly" than the Yota. I would suggest avoiding at all costs the Yota with the 3.0 engine. They are notorious sludge monsters. You can Google "Toyota sludge monster" and make sure to fix lunch, it will take that long to read all of the complaints. The Yota should bring more resale value all things being equal. They just don't lose much value as compared to others. By bro sold his last Yota, a 1986, that had 285,000 miles on it, dull paint, fenders banged in, not much rubber left for $5,000. I wouldn't have driven it across the street for free but folks think they are bulletproof. I would suggest buying a truck that makes you happy and fits your needs rather than which brand. Either should serve you long and well.

 

We had a '91 Ranger 4.0/Auto/3.08 gears. It got terrible gas mileage for its size. The 5-speed supposedly does a lot better.

Jim

 

Which 4.0L are you talking about, the OHV or the SOHC? The OHV was 160 hp but the SOHC was 210 hp.
The Toyota 3.4L was 190 hp.
Toyota trucks really arent known for great milage, 16-18 mpg is about all you are going to get with a Toyota (because of the gearing).
I had a '99 Ranger with the 4.0L OHV V6, and with 5w-30 synthetic oil it got 22-24 mpg on the highway. With 10w-30 dino oil it only got about 18-20 mpg.
Both are good engines.

 

Either 4.0L will outperform Toyotas 3.4L, while HP is being comapred here torque at a given RPM and the wideness of the powerband is more crucial. But given the difference in displacement, its to be expected. The 3.4 is a proven engine and will do what one needs to do with a small truck..... and the Toyotas (and 3.4L engines), have been proven to be very capable trucks....

 

Can't talk about the Toyota but I can talk about my 2002. Power there is plenty. Take a look at my gallery. Thats about 7000lbs back there. Not something I would do everyday but I keep her under 50 and it handled it just fine. Mine is a 4x4 and has 4:40 gears. Around town between 16-18mpg is the norm with 20-22 on the freeway. I have gooten as 27. The only cplaint I have is that it is a little truck and the bed is not very deep. Other than that though it has been trouble free other that seat beat tensioner senors going out.

 

My son has '04 Ranger Edge with the 4.0L SOHC engine 4x4 and 4.10 gearing. It's quick and gets around 20 mpg locally.

 

Thanks guys I really appreciate it it.

 

I drove a 01 Tacoma (3.4, TRD off-road wiht 4.10 gears, etc.) for 80k miles until recently; I have never drive the Ranger 4.0. I can say that it is a rare tank of gas city or highway that I get under 18mpg hand-calculated. On the highway I can get up to 24 depending on speed, conditions, etc. Also, with the manual tranny I have ample accelaration.
I recently towed about 4000lbs with it a distance of 250 miles each way. The trailer was also not aerodynamic, but I averaged 16.4 mpg. Of course, I was only going about 60mph on average, and I wouldn't want to do it everyday. OVerall, I was extremely satisfied with the Taco, and I would recommend one to anyone. Hope this helps.

 

I have a 94 SC with a 4.0 OHV. She has 151000 and not one single problem with the engine or attached components so far other than recharging the a/c. Rear engine seal is starting to leak a smidge, just enough to show through the bell in 4000 miles but she doesn't lose (other than that) or use any oil between changes. No body rust, and they do salt roads here but not as much as my northern friends. I have had one problem with the truck, the rear brake line along the frame rusted/failed at 125000. I get 20-22 mpg highway unloaded, and I will never get rid of her. Heck of a truck, and she's used like a truck! No desire to drive or own a toy, as I'm a consumer of American products whenever possible.

 

norsk.....i do not believe your story man. it sounds impossible

 

Al,
By "stroy" I assume you mean my towing, in particular the 16.4 mpg. Well, I didn't believe it either until I checked my figures. I can honestly say that is the true, hand calculated mpg.
Again, one of the reasons why it stayed so high was because I kept it around 60. I would anticipate a hill, downshift, and keep the RPMs high going up so it didn't lag, then I would use overdrive when possible. I doubt an auto would have returned the same numbers.
Overall I was really impressed with the Taco. I often carried its maximum payload or even more with no signs of damage. The off-road capability was second to none. But, it was time to step up to something bigger.
Anyway, believe my story cause its true.

 

Just had to respond to this thread. I had a 2001 ranger with the 4.0. It was quick as hell. I took it off-roading and beat the hell out of it. It still drove smooth as hell. I loved that truck. Had it for 3 years without one problem. Best truck I owned besides the f-150 I have now!!!