which engine?
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New User
Joined: Jul 2007
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which engine?
Hi all,
I'm new to the forum. I am going to be shopping for a truck soon and have always admired the rangers that some friends of mine own.
I will probably be buying a 2-4 year old 4wd ext cab model with an automatic transmission. Which engine do all you prefer, the 3.0l or 4.0l?
I don't plan to tow much, but mostly just hauling stuff in the bed and maybe some light off roading.
Is either known to be more reliable or easier to work on? Fuel economy is defiitely a consideration.
I appreciate any advice you can give me.
Phil
I'm new to the forum. I am going to be shopping for a truck soon and have always admired the rangers that some friends of mine own.
I will probably be buying a 2-4 year old 4wd ext cab model with an automatic transmission. Which engine do all you prefer, the 3.0l or 4.0l?
I don't plan to tow much, but mostly just hauling stuff in the bed and maybe some light off roading.
Is either known to be more reliable or easier to work on? Fuel economy is defiitely a consideration.
I appreciate any advice you can give me.
Phil
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
Phil,
Both the 3.0 and 4.0 are well known to last a looooooong time. However, the 3.0 is also known as not being a real power producer like the 4.0. I would suggest the 4.0 is you're going 4x4.
I have the 3.0 in my 2WD SCAB Ranger with 4.10 gears and it really rocks. There are lots of guys here with the 3.0 that pretty much hate it because of its relatively low power output (they most likey have 3.55 or 3.72 gearing...).
So, again, for a 4x4 - get the 4.0. I for some reason you have trouble fiinding a 4.0 and have to go with a 3.0 be sure it has 4.10 gears.
CMOS
Both the 3.0 and 4.0 are well known to last a looooooong time. However, the 3.0 is also known as not being a real power producer like the 4.0. I would suggest the 4.0 is you're going 4x4.
I have the 3.0 in my 2WD SCAB Ranger with 4.10 gears and it really rocks. There are lots of guys here with the 3.0 that pretty much hate it because of its relatively low power output (they most likey have 3.55 or 3.72 gearing...).
So, again, for a 4x4 - get the 4.0. I for some reason you have trouble fiinding a 4.0 and have to go with a 3.0 be sure it has 4.10 gears.
CMOS
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I absolutely agree with CMOS.
Both engines are quite reliable, with the 3.0L being known as a tank in terms of durability.
The 3.0L and 4.0L get roughly the same mileage, though I've heard of some guys getting higher with the 3.0L and others getting higher with the 4.0L. All depends on driving style.
The 3.0L is an age old design from back in the early '90s, whereas the 4.0L SOHC is a relatively new addition to the Ranger lineup from this century. The engines are both tried and true however.
I agree with CMOS. Since you're going 4x4 and automatic, I suggest the 4.0L. It'll give you plenty more power and you'll hardly trade gas mileage.
Both engines are quite reliable, with the 3.0L being known as a tank in terms of durability.
The 3.0L and 4.0L get roughly the same mileage, though I've heard of some guys getting higher with the 3.0L and others getting higher with the 4.0L. All depends on driving style.
The 3.0L is an age old design from back in the early '90s, whereas the 4.0L SOHC is a relatively new addition to the Ranger lineup from this century. The engines are both tried and true however.
I agree with CMOS. Since you're going 4x4 and automatic, I suggest the 4.0L. It'll give you plenty more power and you'll hardly trade gas mileage.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
I'm not sure about benefits of 4.0. I have Ranger 4.0 SOHC Auto and 3.0 '89 Aerostar MT5. Aero runs faster....
Parts for german engines (4.0 is made in Cologne) are more expencive, engine is difficult to maintane and repare (2 camshfts, 2 balance shafts, to replace sparkpags, belts, freezу plugs is the NIGHTMARE!!!!). 3.0 is a bit more reliable but much cheapper to maintane and fix and easy fo DIYers.
I'm fully disapointed with auto trannies. I swaped tranny on my aero and I was surprized with results. I know, that M5OD is not the best tranny, to be hornest, I installed tranny from old russian truck, but my friend drives aero with stock tranny and comparing expences to my A4LD (was on aero) and his tranny (he used to replace 2 gears and synchros last year), manual tranny has good economical benefits.
Parts for german engines (4.0 is made in Cologne) are more expencive, engine is difficult to maintane and repare (2 camshfts, 2 balance shafts, to replace sparkpags, belts, freezу plugs is the NIGHTMARE!!!!). 3.0 is a bit more reliable but much cheapper to maintane and fix and easy fo DIYers.
I'm fully disapointed with auto trannies. I swaped tranny on my aero and I was surprized with results. I know, that M5OD is not the best tranny, to be hornest, I installed tranny from old russian truck, but my friend drives aero with stock tranny and comparing expences to my A4LD (was on aero) and his tranny (he used to replace 2 gears and synchros last year), manual tranny has good economical benefits.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Montana
I run a '94 ranger with a 3.0L in it. It is a decent engine but it lacks some power. But, being a 2wd, I don't need that power. I am averaging 18.5-20mpg depending on my mood.
My brother has a Sable with the same engine in it, and his is much snappier. I say that is probably due to the transmission and lighter vehicle.
My brother has a Sable with the same engine in it, and his is much snappier. I say that is probably due to the transmission and lighter vehicle.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
Likes: 0
If you don't have the 4.0, your walken and don't know it hee hee!!! The 2.3 duratec has as much hp as the 3.0 and the 4.0 gets about as good of mpg as the 3.0, there's no advantage to the 3.0.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I'd say so... you'd need the transfer case, all of the front driveline parts, anything that was 4WD specific, all kinds of not so fun stuff.
Basically, you'd need to rip out your front end and swap it with the front end of a 4WD Ranger, then you'd need the transfer case, driveshafts, and transmission tailhousing to match the transfer case.
If you want 4WD Pablo, based on what you've done you're more than capable of it, just finding a donor for the parts will be difficult.
Basically, you'd need to rip out your front end and swap it with the front end of a 4WD Ranger, then you'd need the transfer case, driveshafts, and transmission tailhousing to match the transfer case.
If you want 4WD Pablo, based on what you've done you're more than capable of it, just finding a donor for the parts will be difficult.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,242
Likes: 0
From: Kiev, Ukraine
Unfortunatly 3.0 will never be prodused againe. 4.0 may dissapeare too. I've heard that plant in Limo and plant in Cologne (Kholn) will make only one V6 engine for cars and light trucks 3.5DOHC (Euro-IV standard with electronically controlled throutle and catalistic converters in manyfolds). I think it is not good for us, consumers, becouse DOHC V-designed engines are more expencive to maintaine and very difficult to repare. I prefere simple and reliable engines. I know well similar GM engine - 3.2 Ecotec Euro IV used on Opel Signum, Vectra and Chevy Cobalt V6. This engine is good when new. It seems to be the best way is to use diesel engines, but not the common rail ore pump-injectors, but electronically controlled fuel pumps ore pump units becouse they have good reliability. Here in Europe there is Ranger with 2.5 turbo. The next quation, why there is ranger with Super Crew cab (for 6) and short bed and there is no such truck in the USA. I see F150 with crew cab only.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I love the Ranger crew cab you guys have over there. That 2.5 turbo Ranger sounds like a good bit of fun as well.
The 4R44E, 4R55E, and 5R55E are deriatives from the A4LD, so I would guess that the transfer cases could interchange. However, you will need a four wheel drive tailhousing for your transmission no matter.
The 4R44E, 4R55E, and 5R55E are deriatives from the A4LD, so I would guess that the transfer cases could interchange. However, you will need a four wheel drive tailhousing for your transmission no matter.