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Old Mar 25, 2008 | 04:42 PM
  #1  
6CylBill's Avatar
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From: Almost Heaven
What do you think?

I tried to do a search but couldn't find what I'm wanting. If this has been done before, point me in the right direction. Here goes.

What do you guys think of the 3.0L and the 4.0L? I know the 3.0 has DOHC and the 4.0 has a SOHC? Correct me if I'm wrong.

The numbers look good on the 4.0L. 208 HP, 230 Ft lbs. What kind of mileage does it get? Is it tough like the 3.0 is?

What would you guys think of this setup; 4.0L + auto tranny + 3.55 LS rear?

I'm looking very seriously for a extended cab Ranger Sport pickup. I've test drove a few and really like the trucks, but haven't found any 2WD 4.0L Rangers. Doesn't Ford make a 4.0L Ranger in 2wd?

I want a well rounded pickup. I'm thinking the Ranger is just that, but I'd like to know if I should aim for the larger V6.

Thanks guys.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2008 | 08:43 AM
  #2  
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The 3.0 Vulcan engine is a pushrod engine, not OHC. Perhaps you're thinging of the Taurus SHO 3.0 which is indeed DOHC but was never offered in anything excpt the SHO...?

The 3.0 used in the Ranger is a good motor, but many feel it's underpowered for hauling around a truck and thus it's been nicknamed the 3.slow. Driven a Taurus with that motor and it did fine in that application, never driven a Ranger with one however.

There were two versions of the 4.0, the pushrod version introduced in 1990 and the SOHC introduced in '97 and still in production. You haven't said what year Ranger you'd like, but yes, Ford did indeed build a 4.0-powered Ranger in 2wd.

I think you'd be happy with your proposed setup, but for me personally I prefer the 5-speed over the auto trans. Too much power loss with an auto with a smaller engine for my taste.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2008 | 02:00 PM
  #3  
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CMOS
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Before I bought my Sport Trac about a month ago I had a 3.0L Ranger SCAB, 2WD, with 4.10 gears and it was a screamer of a truck. I had NO complaints about power. If you can find one with a 3.0 with the 4.10 gears I would not hesitate to get for a minute.

There does seem to be frequent complaints about the 3.0 with the higher gearing, as TigerDan stated, so take that into consideration.

If I had to by another Ranger, knowing what I know now, I would still get the 3.0L with the 4.10 gears only for the reason that the 3.0 is very easy to work on, and will ultimately have lower maitenance/repair costs than the 4.0.

YMMV


CMOS
 
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Old Mar 26, 2008 | 06:35 PM
  #4  
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6CylBill
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From: Almost Heaven
Originally Posted by TigerDan
The 3.0 Vulcan engine is a pushrod engine, not OHC. Perhaps you're thinging of the Taurus SHO 3.0 which is indeed DOHC but was never offered in anything excpt the SHO...?

The 3.0 used in the Ranger is a good motor, but many feel it's underpowered for hauling around a truck and thus it's been nicknamed the 3.slow. Driven a Taurus with that motor and it did fine in that application, never driven a Ranger with one however.

There were two versions of the 4.0, the pushrod version introduced in 1990 and the SOHC introduced in '97 and still in production. You haven't said what year Ranger you'd like, but yes, Ford did indeed build a 4.0-powered Ranger in 2wd.

I think you'd be happy with your proposed setup, but for me personally I prefer the 5-speed over the auto trans. Too much power loss with an auto with a smaller engine for my taste.
I plan on buying new, most likely. I don't have much overhead at all and I've always wanted a Ford Ranger. I've fallen in love with the Sport model! I'll probably order my setup. How long does it take to get a pickup after you order what you want? I've heard it said in the measurment of months. All I want is the powertrain I said and the sport package, no thrills.

Originally Posted by CMOS
Before I bought my Sport Trac about a month ago I had a 3.0L Ranger SCAB, 2WD, with 4.10 gears and it was a screamer of a truck. I had NO complaints about power. If you can find one with a 3.0 with the 4.10 gears I would not hesitate to get for a minute.

There does seem to be frequent complaints about the 3.0 with the higher gearing, as TigerDan stated, so take that into consideration.

If I had to by another Ranger, knowing what I know now, I would still get the 3.0L with the 4.10 gears only for the reason that the 3.0 is very easy to work on, and will ultimately have lower maitenance/repair costs than the 4.0.

YMMV


CMOS

The ranger I test drove was an extended cab sport, 3.0 with 4.10. I loved it. Smooth, sounded good too. Very nice.


Thanks to both of you for your solid replies. Have a good night!
 
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