I'm in a bit of a pickle...


Toms01PSD

15+ Year Member

Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
3,276
Points
3,101
Age
35
City
Sanford, NC
Vehicle Year
2001
Transmission
Automatic
So I went and looked at two rangers today. Both are 98's, ext cab, black, 4x4, manual windows, and manual locks. The only difference is one has a 3.0 with 166k miles and the other is a 4.0 with 114k miles on it. Both trucks drive like brand new, no play in the front suspension, no weird noises, a/c works perfect. Basically, they were both well maintained. Here's the problem: the 4.0 is bubbling in the coolant reservior tank which means it's getting compression in the cooling system. It either has a blown head gasket or a cracked head. They guy said he would take $3200 for the 4.0 and $4200 for the 3.0. There is absolutely no flaws with either truck except for the issue with the 4.0. Should I get the 4.0 truck and fix the issue, or should I get the 3.0 for a grand more? I see it as I could fix the 4.0 for under a grand and swap parts from my broke ass truck to the new one I get and just sell it off. What do you guys think?
 
Get the 4.0 for a grand less. Even if theres a cracked head, you can get 2 completly stripped/cleaned/rebuilt heads for 300ish shipped. Even if its just a gasket, thats a cake walk.
 
well if this helps: i bought my 95 4.0 with 130k and absolutely no body rust which is very rare in the snow belt of ohio and i paid 3800
 
By the way, did only the 4x4 Off-Road packages come with skid plates? The truck with the 3.0 has "Sport" written on the bed sides and it has a t-case and gas tank skid plate. The 4.0 truck just has "4x4" on the side and it also has the t-case and gas tank skid plate. I'm leaning towards the truck with the 4.0 right now, it has virtually no rust on it and I even climbed underneath it. The only rusty thing on it is the exhaust.
 
I'd go with the 4.0, but I don't mind pulling an engine--which I would do on that and go through it with the micrometers. It's a lot of work. I'd ask for a lower price because I think it's the heads. What is the KBB with a ruined engine?
 
buy the 4.0 save the grand, put 300 into a new head gasket ( do it yourself) and use the other 700 for a lift kit or new meats. Actually offer the guy 2900 tell him thats all you got and show him the money. show him the money, if he stands on 3200 then give him 3200 and your still better off.
 
Will-I have no idea what the KBB is (I'll look it up in a sec). He said he couldn't go any lower than $3200 because he said he would be losing money on it. He bought the trucks from a dealer who got them from a trade-in.

Feeln-I'm going to pull the shocks and tires from the 99 I currently have and put them on the new truck I get. Everything I bought new or that's in better condition will be going on this truck. I also have 4.56 gears i'll be throwing in!

As for pulling the 4.0, I don't mind doing that, the only thing I have to pay for is parts, i'm going to do the labor in the shop. Thank God for lifts!
 
if you get the 3.0 your going to wish you got the 4.0 i have the 4.0 im so glad too i have 154k on mine and still runs strong
 
I have the 3.0 at the moment and I can tell a WORLD of difference between the two engines.
 
4.0 all the way man.
 
Simply reading your engine description on your rig, 3.slow, you should get the 4.0...Whatever you do good luck!
 
why ure replacing yours??
if u can fix it yourself, then go for the 4.0, but the 3.0 is a sport package, just like mine:D those are one of a kind man, collection trucks, a whole new breed of trucks:cool:
EDIT: theyre the same $hit only joking
 
ranger sport honduras said:
why ure replacing yours??
if u can fix it yourself, then go for the 4.0, but the 3.0 is a sport package, just like mine:D those are one of a kind man, collection trucks, a whole new breed of trucks:cool:
EDIT: theyre the same $hit only joking
Click to expand...

You didn't read my thread about the multiple cracks in my frame? :icon_idea:

I can fix it myself, it's not that big of a deal, i'm just going to do it right and take my time. I'm also going to install my gears front and rear with lockers. :icon_thumby:

The 4.0 already has a 8.8 axle in it so I can sell the 8.8 I bought for my ranger. That will also help recoup some of the money for other shit I need.
 
ooo didnt knew it had frame damage, go for it then!!
 
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