Looking at buying a Ranger. 5spd vs. auto for towing

[Hammi]

I'm in the market for a new (used) truck, and the rangers have caught my eye.

I want a 4.0L/4wd, the thing I'm not sure about is the transmission. I'm a manual transmission guy all the way-- but I saw somewhere (can't find it now) that the 5spd rangers are rated to tow ~3,000lbs while the automatics can town >5,000lbs. Was this a mistake or is there some huge gearing/strength differences between these transmissions?

Thanks!

 

[Bubba Bob]

Clutch wear.

What are you looking at towing?

 

[Hammi]

Are there any heavier duty clutches available?

I want to tow a ~3,500lb boat... will need to pull it out of some steeper launch ramps (in 4low I'm assuming).

 

[Bubba Bob]

I don't know. Either way you'll be slippin the clutch to get the rig movin up a steep ramp. Going 4lo will help a lot, and really would be the only realistic route.

Of course, finding a used 4.0 4x4 with a stick will be the tough part. Wanted one my self but finally gave up and bought a 3.0 w/ the 5spd instead of the 4.0 w/ the auto.

Goodluck

 

[Hammi]

I was actually all set on a 4runner until I noticed a 4.0/5spd/4x4 ranger for sale locally, then I started looking into them more.

 

[Bubba Bob]

I was actually all set on a 4runner until I noticed a 4.0/5spd/4x4 ranger for sale locally, then I started looking into them more.

Jump on it and never look back.

 

[wahlstrom1]

Sticks are under rated due to driver incompetance....Once engaged a clutch in a manual transmission is much more reliable (in my opinion) then a fluid fill torque converter. If you know how to properly drive a manual and not slip a clutch under load, then go ahead. I regularly tow in excess of the rated 3000lbs with my ranger and rarely have an issue unless I'm starting on a steep hill then I just grab low-range until I can find a better place to take off in hi-range from.

 

[Hammi]

Jump on it and never look back.

We'll see how it looks when I go check it out.

Sticks are under rated due to driver incompetance....Once engaged a clutch in a manual transmission is much more reliable (in my opinion) then a fluid fill torque converter. If you know how to properly drive a manual and not slip a clutch under load, then go ahead. I regularly tow in excess of the rated 3000lbs with my ranger and rarely have an issue unless I'm starting on a steep hill then I just grab low-range until I can find a better place to take off in hi-range from.

Exactly what I was hoping to hear! Thanks.

 

[Hammi]

The truck I'm looking at is a '98.

Since I have you guys here, how is the reliability of the electronic-shifting t-case, 5spd, 4L combo in that truck? I keep hearing horror stories from friends but everything I'm reading on this forum is saying that this setup is solid.

 

[Earl43P]

The "problem area" is the PVH hubs, they are vaccum actuated.

AVM makes a manual hub conversion that work; read up in the Tech Library:

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/AVM_hub_swap.htm


As far as towing capability, I towed an Explorer on a two wheel dolly 300+ miles, no problem. I also used to tow a 19' Mercruiser boat and simply used 4lo on the ramp - never spun a tire. The 4.0 should do even better.