Need some advice on engine choice

darrindrake2005 · Feb 5, 2013

My 2000 Ranger XLT 4x4 currently has the 3.0L-V6 in it but I'm going to need to replace it soon (rings and compression issues and 200k+ miles), my question is this: should I just replace it with another 3.0 or upgrade to the 4.0? This is my daily driver and needs to be reliable. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Darrin

85_Ranger4x4 · Feb 5, 2013

The quickest, cheapest and most glitch free route would be to throw another 3.0 at it.

A 4.0 is going to need a different transmission as well (on top of the computer and any other wiring differences)

For a weekend project so you can drive it to work on Monday 3.0 hands down...

Brownie Mobile · Feb 5, 2013

yeah id agree with the 3.0 drop it in and plug it in basically, but with such high mileage you probaly will need to replace the tranny sooner or later anyways so if you've got the cash i would consider the 4.0 with a tranny, more work but im sure youd be happier in the long run with the power of the 4.0 and an all new drivetrain

cammeddrz · Feb 5, 2013

if you ever swap a 4.0 in, make sure you do the SOHC 4.0, not the boat-anchor OHV 4.0 which makes only 11 more hp than a 2.9/ 10 more hp than your 3.0.......

the SOHC 4.0 makes 65 more hp than your 3.0 and 66 more hp than a 2.9

1986fordranger · Feb 5, 2013

just before i bought my current truck 99 4.0 ranger . i drove a 98 3.0 ranger for awhile test driving it . personally for the little extra money i'd swap it over to a 4.0 rather then going with another 3.0 . both engines get comparable MPG's and 4.0s are alot more torquey then 3.0s . plus the 3.0l's are in general less then a great engine IMO

adsm08 · Feb 5, 2013

Why does it seem like those numbers are not quite right?

Postin' from teh Galaxy

stmitch · Feb 5, 2013

To reduce downtime and potential problems just stick with the 3.0. Switching to the 4.0 would require more parts, work, and money to install. Not to mention more down time for your daily.

cammeddrz · Feb 5, 2013

which numbers? as far as i could find a 2000 ranger with a 3.0 has a 145hp rating
the OHV 4.0 makes 155hp (unless the mythical 160hp 4.0, which makes 5 more)
the 2.9 is 144hp

and the SOHC is 210 hp

i did find these numbers on the internet. which if forums are any guage on accuracy of nformation there is a 50/50 chance that the information is even remotely correct

cammeddrz · Feb 5, 2013

here i found the TRS library page, its numbers show the SOHC to have 207hp

the rest is the same: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Engine_Ratings.shtml

adsm08 · Feb 5, 2013

Ok, but the 4.0 hits it's peak at a lower RPM.

Also, remember horsepower vs torque.

Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall.

Torque is how far you move it.

I can build a 400 horse engine that has 5 ft-lbs of torque that can't get a 10 lb bag of flour moving down the street.

I can build a 5 horse engine that can't go 25 miles an hour but has the torque to tow your house right off it's foundation.

At the end of the day, torque is the number you are interested in.

84bluebronco2 · Feb 5, 2013

adsm08 said:
Ok, but the 4.0 hits it's peak at a lower RPM.

Also, remember horsepower vs torque.

Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall.

Torque is how far you move it.

I can build a 400 horse engine that has 5 ft-lbs of torque that can't get a 10 lb bag of flour moving down the street.

I can build a 5 horse engine that can't go 25 miles an hour but has the torque to tow your house right off it's foundation.

At the end of the day, torque is the number you are interested in.

Good call. We need to move our trucks, not at 150mph.

adsm08 · Feb 5, 2013

84bluebronco2 said:
Good call. We need to move our trucks, not at 150mph.

What was that AllanD used to say?

"It's a Ford, not a Ferrari".

robertc1024 · Feb 5, 2013

adsm08 said:
Ok, but the 4.0 hits it's peak at a lower RPM.

Also, remember horsepower vs torque.

Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall.

Torque is how far you move it.

I can build a 400 horse engine that has 5 ft-lbs of torque that can't get a 10 lb bag of flour moving down the street.

I can build a 5 horse engine that can't go 25 miles an hour but has the torque to tow your house right off it's foundation.

At the end of the day, torque is the number you are interested in.

amen. And the crowd said hallelujah.

85_Ranger4x4 · Feb 5, 2013

If you do the SOHC change all the timing chain crap while you have it on the stand before you put in the truck.

And that is why I will never own a 4.0 SOHC truck. Rattle rattle rattle...

If you are going to swap engines, trans and play with electrical you are not far away from a 5.0 swap either. More HP, torque and still get pretty decent milage. There are guys with 2wds and healthy 5.0's that still get well over 20mpg.

Need some advice on engine choice

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