Which engine for towing?

[choppychop]

I am looking at purchasing a used ranger soon and hope someones could point me in the right direction or maybe the wrong one if you like.
I just bought a boat & trailer that weigh about 2000lbs and will haul 400lbs of gear and 320lbs of humans (heaviest scenario). Is this possible with a 2.5l 5 speed 2wd Ranger? The reason I would like to get the little motor is most of the time there will be nothing but a 160lb human in the truck that likes to save gas so he can buy more gear to put in the truck. I figure the boat will be towed 1000 miles a year but the truck will get driven about 15,000 a year. If this sounds implausible I could go with a larger motor but the manual tranny is a must.
I would like to avoid 4WD due to maintenance and higher cost but will I even be able to pull the boat out of the launch with a small two wheel drive at all. For your info, my towing experience amounts to towing a 700lb trailer with a Honda Civic (1.5l engine) years ago so my questions may be slow.
Here is the last of it. Is the suspension the same regardless of motor size?
Thanks in advance.

[Will]

I would say you will be okay except the pulling the boat up the ramp part. A wet, steep ramp and a 2wd Ranger can bring challenges. I had a 300# Zodiac--probably 700# on the trailer with the motor--and a 2wd Mazda and often had to get people to jump in the rear of the truck to get out of the water. A locking diff is about $300 and a couple hours to self-install. Otherwise I would get a 4x4 for the ramp.

Edit: the rear springs are the same so the payload in the bed is not a problem.

[Captain Ledd]

Yeah, I'd say the ramp will definitely make the 2wd 4cyl struggle. There's just not enough torque unless you are really generous with the clutch (which has issues in itself). But also since it's 2wd you can easily re-rear the rear end to something just a tad steeper (numerically higher ratio), which will help it tow and get out of the water much easier, and when unloaded has surprisingly little impact on the overall mileage of the truck.

Unmodded, it would be a little on the slow side getting up to speed but will definitely take it, and it will pull just fine @ 60 or so.

[Will]

I was concerned with the traction, not the torque.

[choppychop]

So basically if I got a 2.5l 4wd manual I'd be ok. I notice the 2.5l was only sold in a few years. I think I read 1998-2001.5


EDIT
I'll just add to this post. It does not appear they mated the 4x4 with the 2.5l so that's out. What about the 400lbs of gear right over the rear wheels? Is that enough to get me out? This may sound ultra tarded but I could bring a push broom to clear seaweed and debris.

[Will]

Well, my problem was the one-wheel-peel. And when it spins, you are going backwards. Sometimes we had to use the boatmotor to push the whole thing up the ramp, which you aren't supposed to do because it tears up the bottom of the ramp. A locking rear gives you a better chance of getting out without shouting for a bunch of passer-bys to jump in the bed. And of course weight also helps.

[Captain Ledd]

Oh, I've never pulled a boat out with mine, though I have tried to start out on some steeper hills with a heavy load, and the 4cyl hasn't particularly cared for it.

[Will]

I had an auto so getting up the ramp wasn't a problem--if the tires would stick. I have wheeled with a guy with a 2.3 5-speed and even in low range he was constantly killing it--that's 4.10s and 31s. So I know where you are coming from.

[rusty ol ranger]

I pulled my boat up wet ramps for years with my 87 Ranger 2.9/5sp with an open diff. Never presented a problem.

later,
Dustin

[Will]

That's because 2.9s give superior traction. Common knowledge.

[rusty ol ranger]

The 6.2 doesnt even need traction does it?

later,
Dustin

[jobar]

I know where your coming from CHOPPY, I tow my 700# john boat with my 2.3, 2wd, all the time. Like what was said before, traction on the ramp is your biggest enemy. I have no problems because, mine only weighs 700#. But, I can imagine what 2000# would be like. I would consider 4wd, or a locker for 2wd.

I cant recall what the HP and torque numbers are for the 2.5 but, I dont think you should have any problems with it. Its all about applying those torque numbers to the ground on slippery ramps.

[choppychop]

The 2.5l is the largest 4 cyl displacement put in the ranger and scores in at 120 hp and 149 ft lbs torque.
Sounds like the lock-right would be necessary...
I tried to locate this info in the tech library but could not find it. What is the gear ratio on a year 2000 2.5l rwd 5speed ranger? Is this optional at the dealership and if so where would I look to find this # on a used truck?

[Captain Ledd]

Likely going to be 3.73

HERE (http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html) <clicky is the link for the axle codes. it's that big grey bar.

It'll be on the rear differential , there will be a strikingly similar looking tag hanging off it (at least there should be). If that isn't there then all hope is not lost.

And actually this may be the better way, scroll down a bit further to where it says "Axle Codes:" and find the Ranger chart. This will be on the drivers door on the information tag.

[85_Ranger4x4]

Actually, if you hunt around you might dig up a 90's 2.3 that is 4x4.

[rusty ol ranger]

Would that even have the balls to pull itself up a ramp?

I drove a 2.3L 4x4 one time (it was a 86 or 87 with a 5sp) and it was the single most nutless thing ive ever drivin. It makes my 300 I6 in my F150 look like a top fuel.

later,
Dustin

[choppychop]

I don't know if anyone is reading this thread still but I drove my buddies 1995 ford ranger with a 2.3l and 5 speed last week. I could not believe how gutless this thing was. If I'm going to get bad fuel mileage I might as well go full size. Thanks for chatting.

[Nipplechops]

I am looking at purchasing a used ranger soon and hope someones could point me in the right direction or maybe the wrong one if you like.
I just bought a boat & trailer that weigh about 2000lbs and will haul 400lbs of gear and 320lbs of humans (heaviest scenario). Is this possible with a 2.5l 5 speed 2wd Ranger? The reason I would like to get the little motor is most of the time there will be nothing but a 160lb human in the truck that likes to save gas so he can buy more gear to put in the truck. I figure the boat will be towed 1000 miles a year but the truck will get driven about 15,000 a year. If this sounds implausible I could go with a larger motor but the manual tranny is a must.
I would like to avoid 4WD due to maintenance and higher cost but will I even be able to pull the boat out of the launch with a small two wheel drive at all. For your info, my towing experience amounts to towing a 700lb trailer with a Honda Civic (1.5l engine) years ago so my questions may be slow.
Here is the last of it. Is the suspension the same regardless of motor size?
Thanks in advance.

I've towed roughly 3500lb with an '87 Ranger 2.0L four cylinder and while it wasn't the fastest thing on the road, it got the job done. Getting the rig rolling on an uphill start was a bit of an art though. If my old carbureted 2.0L could move that much, surely a fuel injected 2.3L or 2.5L would have no issues with it, provided adequate gearing.

My '88 X-cab will also be a tow/haul slut, but with my interest in the Cologne V6 engines shot to Hell, it will be interesting how my 2.3T handles my camper in the bed with my ski boat, sled trailer, or car hauler behind it. Hopefully a good clutch, 3.73's and 17 pounds of boost help out! :beer:

[fastpakr]

I don't know if anyone is reading this thread still but I drove my buddies 1995 ford ranger with a 2.3l and 5 speed last week. I could not believe how gutless this thing was. If I'm going to get bad fuel mileage I might as well go full size. Thanks for chatting.

Then it was broken. I alternate between a 4.0 Explorer Sport and a 2.3 Ranger on a regular basis, and the Ranger has more than enough power to get around just fine. In return, I get as much as 27mpg on the highway and 22-24 in daily driving.

[Korrie]

I recall my dad towing boats for years with station wagons that were rwd and never ever had an issue pulling large heavy wooden boats out of the water.

Don't put the rear wheels in the water and you won't have a traction issue. If you do, wave your hands, look helpless, and one of the guys on here with a 4x4 will feel macho enough to tow you off the launch. Then stop on the way home and feed your family steaks with the money you saved driving the 4cyl to the lake instead of the 4.0 liter.:headbang:

[pops13]

tried to pull a 2000 lb. boat up a ramp with a 2.3 5spd. no dice, had to have a big truck pull me up, kept stalling, ended up in the water.

[gw33gp]

Don't put the rear wheels in the water and you won't have a traction issue. If you do, wave your hands, look helpless, and one of the guys on here with a 4x4 will feel macho enough to tow you off the launch. Then stop on the way home and feed your family steaks with the money you saved driving the 4cyl to the lake instead of the 4.0 liter.:headbang:
Having a 4 cyl does not necessarily give you better mileage while towing. I use to tow with a 2.9L Ranger and got on average about 13.5 mpg. With my 4.0L Ranger I get on average over 14 mpg while towing and I don't have to stress the engine and drive-train so much while doing it. Sure you can drive a 4 cyl at 40 mph when towing to get good mileage but you can also do that with a 4.0L engine, but I prefer not to be a moving hazard on the road.

[strvger]

no matter which engine you have, to get the most out of it, it's always a good idea to get the right gears for the tasks you do most often. and a good locker usually helps out as well. just my $.02.

[mattpresley]

I don't know if anyone is reading this thread still but I drove my buddies 1995 ford ranger with a 2.3l and 5 speed last week. I could not believe how gutless this thing was. If I'm going to get bad fuel mileage I might as well go full size. Thanks for chatting.

I agree with you actually. I recommend a six cylinder f150. Or better yet if you can find one in good condition, an old straight six. If I had to tow a boat my 2.5 is out of the question

[tanbuddy]

I would get the 4.0 for towing myself, but if u use the 4cl, i have a trick for the boat launch.
Nail four 2x6s on top of each other about a foot long to make a wheel chock, then nail a long bungge cord to it.
When u launch your boat, put that chock under the back tire, and hook the bungge to the bumper. When u leave, let off the brake and let all the weight rest against the chock and then take off. No drifting back, which is the hardest part of the lauch, plus if u stall u wull just roll back into the block insted of the water. the bungee cord will pull the chock behind your truck until u stop in a level area to strap down the boat ect.

[Will]

I agree with you actually. I recommend a six cylinder f150. Or better yet if you can find one in good condition, an old straight six. If I had to tow a boat my 2.5 is out of the question

You recommend a six cylinder for towing in a full-size?

I recommend a 460, V10 or Powerstroke in the fullsizes and a 4.0 in a Ranger.

You need some power. Being caught in the beltway of a major city with too much mass and not enough horsepower is a non habit-forming activity. If you aren't killed trying to merge in, than you will be killed trying to merge out, or spend the evening going in 50 miles circles until the traffic dies down.

I had a 155hp diesel and a 6,000# truck with an 8,000# trailer going to Attica one time. I could get up to 60mph on the interstate, but it had no acceleration. Coming home I nailed rush hour right in the ten ring. Coming from 74w onto 465s there is no shoulder--it's a quarter-mile and then a retaining wall guides your lane into traffic. I head up the onramp in first and it wouldn't gain enough revs to get to second. And my truck and trailer were over 50' long--it was my 2-car hauler-- and people behind me were trying to get over early causing more trouble behind me. And my lane was ending and I sure as hell wasn't going to try stopping at the end of the ramp--so I just kept going and forced a row of cars over a lane and sent a bunch of unhappy people into the median shoulder. ANd eventually things settled back out. But it was completely apparant that my truck didn't have the power to pull that load.

Now it does--I added the turbocharger and the splitter. I no longer have that hollow helpless feeling when I lug something onto the beltway. Now I can safely get up to speed and though people still have to show a little kindness, all they have to do is let up a little or scoot forward a little and I'm in--not like rolling a stationary boulder into 4 lanes of 65mph traffic.

I could list reasons all day to have power. If you have a specific place that you know well that your truck is okay, then no problem. But most of the time I don't know where I am going to be with what and I would never order up anything but the most engine for the given truck. And a diesel for the economy if I could get it.

[rusty ol ranger]

A 300 would do just fine with a 2000lb boat.

My dad pulled a 4horse gooseneck horsetrailer, loaded, with 4 horses, with 3.55 gears and an automatic, with the A/C on in a 94 3/4ton 2wd with a 300, on the freeway many times, never once did him/me experince the havoc you are describing.

Just be careful, get the right gears, and you'll be fine. Think about it...how fast can a loaded semi get up to speed? Its not as bad as will makes it out to be.

Yes it gives you a macho feeling to be able to go from 55-70 quickly loaded down with a 9000lb trailer, but in reality all it does is give you a feeling of overconfidence in your towing vehicle, and causes you to do unsafe manuevers.

later,
Dustin

[mattpresley]

You recommend a six cylinder for towing in a full-size?

I recommend a 460, V10 or Powerstroke in the fullsizes and a 4.0 in a Ranger.

You need some power. Being caught in the beltway of a major city with too much mass and not enough horsepower is a non habit-forming activity. If you aren't killed trying to merge in, than you will be killed trying to merge out, or spend the evening going in 50 miles circles until the traffic dies down.

I had a 155hp diesel and a 6,000# truck with an 8,000# trailer going to Attica one time. I could get up to 60mph on the interstate, but it had no acceleration. Coming home I nailed rush hour right in the ten ring. Coming from 74w onto 465s there is no shoulder--it's a quarter-mile and then a retaining wall guides your lane into traffic. I head up the onramp in first and it wouldn't gain enough revs to get to second. And my truck and trailer were over 50' long--it was my 2-car hauler-- and people behind me were trying to get over early causing more trouble behind me. And my lane was ending and I sure as hell wasn't going to try stopping at the end of the ramp--so I just kept going and forced a row of cars over a lane and sent a bunch of unhappy people into the median shoulder. ANd eventually things settled back out. But it was completely apparant that my truck didn't have the power to pull that load.

Now it does--I added the turbocharger and the splitter. I no longer have that hollow helpless feeling when I lug something onto the beltway. Now I can safely get up to speed and though people still have to show a little kindness, all they have to do is let up a little or scoot forward a little and I'm in--not like rolling a stationary boulder into 4 lanes of 65mph traffic.

I could list reasons all day to have power. If you have a specific place that you know well that your truck is okay, then no problem. But most of the time I don't know where I am going to be with what and I would never order up anything but the most engine for the given truck. And a diesel for the economy if I could get it.

for a 2,000 lb boat? Absolutely!! Especially the old straight six

[Will]

My point is--biggest engine for vehicle in question for towing. I said 4.0 for Ranger.

Sorry for wandering off on the subj.

[rusty ol ranger]

Not to start a war....but why?

Like i said eariler, you dont NEED a big gasser or a Diesel to tow with. Yes, its nice, but is it nessacary?....no.

Brakes are waaaay more of a concern then the engine.

The only engine put in the F series that wasnt worth a dime for towing was the 302. The 300, 351, 390, 400, 429 and 460 all were excllent for towing. The 3.8L wasnt the greastest either.

A 2.3L could tow as much as a 460 in a F350 Crew Cab Dually. Would it be good for it? No, would it be fast? No. You would need 5.13 rear end gears and like a 35 speed transmission....but it woudl do it.

Towing is more about gears then actual engine power. Even with a measly 180ftlbs of torque (horsepower is more or less irrelevent when towing) you could still move a considerable amount of weight.

Gear it down and you mutiply the amount of torque getting to the wheels. So yeah, a 460 might only need 3.55's to move 10,000lbs, while a 300 might need 4.10s, but the amount of torque getting to the rear wheels would be roughly the same with the right gears matched to the engine.

Evn though the 300 only makes 265ftlbs and the 460 makes Ungodly amounts (cant think of the spec off hand :) )

later,
Dustin

[Will]

A 460 made 395ft#. A 300 made 265ft#. A 300 needs 5.29 gears to have the same max torque as a 460 with 3.55s. But because of that, it doesn't have much revs to play with and will never keep up.

Yeah, gears do help. Well, lots of closely spaced gears help. Unfortunately the 300-6 and the 460 come with the same transmissions. Even though the peak will look the same with those gears, the effect of them is that the 300-6 will have a very sharply pointed torque curve with respect to the rear wheels and the 460 will have a long, flat one with lots of room to accelerate in each gear.

[rusty ol ranger]

But getting the load rolling is the hardest part. Once its rolling Keeping it going is easy.

But yeah i know what you mean, obviously a 460 will spank a 300 with a load, or empty. 160 Cubic inches and 2 more cylinders will do that.:)

Take a shopping cart, pile it full of say, 12 packs of pepsi, and comprehend the amount of effort it takes to get it rolling from a dead stop, then comprehend the amount of effort it takes to make it acclerate once its already rolling. Thats exactly the same thing that your truck goes through.

But either way we're dealing with a 2000lb boat here, and Rangers. 2000 lbs would be nothing for either a 300 or a 460. Any of the Ranger V6's (well, the 3.0 might not get along with it on steep ramps, but it would do it with good gears) should handle it no problem.

later,
Dustin

[rusty ol ranger]

..............and for what its worth, the 300 does have the 460 beat in one aspect...the 300 makes .88torque per CI, the 460 makes .83.... :)

Just thought id toss that in there....so if you were to give the 300 the 160 more cubes it would need to compete with the 460 it would be making 405 ftlbs of torque.

So if you wanna get technical, the 300, CI for CI is stronger then the 460 :)

later,
Dustin

[Dusty_Ranger]

preferably a v6