low speed rear end
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New User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Forest, MS
low speed rear end
I've just purchased a 2001 Ranger with the 2.5 litre and 5-speed. It seems to me this truck has a very low speed rear end. It runs about 2700 rpm at 70 mph.
Is this normal? I'd like a little higher ratio rear end if possible.
Is this normal? I'd like a little higher ratio rear end if possible.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
The OHC 4banger engine is made for turning rpm, to get it's work done, not low rpm lugging, which wouldn't be good for it.
Gearing it to lower the rpm would make it more sluggish at throttle up & load main bearings, crankshaft, rods, wrist pins & pistons, more than their designed for.
The 4 banger makes it's peak HP at 5000 rpm & peak Torque at 3000 rpm, & as geared, turning 2700 rpm at 70 mph, it's near it's torque peak, where it should be for best driveability & lowest load on the engine!!!!
Gearing it to lower the rpm would make it more sluggish at throttle up & load main bearings, crankshaft, rods, wrist pins & pistons, more than their designed for.
The 4 banger makes it's peak HP at 5000 rpm & peak Torque at 3000 rpm, & as geared, turning 2700 rpm at 70 mph, it's near it's torque peak, where it should be for best driveability & lowest load on the engine!!!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
Be thankful it's not geared any higher. I have a 95 B2300 with the 2.3, 5spd, and 3.45 rear gear. Talk about a gutless wonder. I don't have a tach, but I'd be willing to bet the engine is only turning about 2400-2500 @ 70. Once it *finally* reaches 70, that is........
Any slight incline, and it's losing speed in a hurry. I just thought my old F150 was a bit weak on the hills, until I got this truck. The F150 is a 6cyl, and has a 2.75 rear gear. At 65, it's only seeing about 2100 rpm. It will lose less speed on the hills even with a trailer and car tied behind it, than the B2300 does running empty.
Any slight incline, and it's losing speed in a hurry. I just thought my old F150 was a bit weak on the hills, until I got this truck. The F150 is a 6cyl, and has a 2.75 rear gear. At 65, it's only seeing about 2100 rpm. It will lose less speed on the hills even with a trailer and car tied behind it, than the B2300 does running empty.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,338
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From: UPSTATE NY
on flat land driving long distances at 70+ mph keeping the rpms low is heavenly. its better on gas, more relaxing to drive, and easier on the engine. whenever i encounter a steep hill i just downshift, hop over in the right lane, and reduce my speed to around 55-60.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Forest, MS
Thanks for all the replies. I am starting to enjoy driving this truck...just a lot different than what I've been acustomed to. Anxious to see what kinda mileage I get with it. So far looking close to 20 mpg. I was hoping for more around 25 mpg
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
Yeah, I just got the 95 and was hoping for around 25MPG as well, but the first (and only) tank I have run thru it came out just a hair over 20. Nowhere near the 26 MPG my nissan gets, and the nissan will run circles around this truck.
I can get 18MPG with my F150, and it's got more than twice the engine displacement, along with far more aero drag.
I can get 18MPG with my F150, and it's got more than twice the engine displacement, along with far more aero drag.
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From: Forest, MS
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
There ya go, now drop the highway speed back to 65 & you'll probably see 28 mpg!!!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Sioux Falls SD
I have tracked all my miles and fuel for 15+ years and my 4 cyl. Rangers have averaged 21-22mpg overall. That includes the artic winter idleing, summer towing etc. Mixed driving unloaded summer weather typically yields about 24mpg. Highway at 65mph 27-29mpg. Towing 15-18. Most years I drive about 10-12k miles with winter accounting for at least 4k and towing 1500-2000. So you can see it takes alot of unloaded summer highway miles to bring the average way up. I have found that the Ranger gives me an average MPG of 7 better than an F150.
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