Best Motor?

[fishunterx]

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/2109515283.html

Any Comments on this one?

 

[TheTopher]

With tires that size I'd ask about what he's done to the axles.

 

[idriveafordranger94]

My 1994 Ford Ranger has the 4.0L OHV V6 with 174,000 miles on it. Plenty of power to tow what I need, and enough to smoke those little civics at the stoplight.

I've also had the 2.3L which was an excellent motor as well. Not much power, but it is very reliable and great on gas.

 

[mhughes165]

if its clean and u can get it for 1500 then its a good deal, ur gonna wanna swap some rears in it cause im certain there stock, it doesnt look like a wheeler

well....my standard of a wheeler, that was someones baby, that someone else got and beat on for a while

 

[Evan]

For wheelin, 4.0L OHV. It's a simple, reliable motor with excellent low-end torque.

 

[Hahnsb2]

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/2109515283.html

Any Comments on this one?

First I would avoid the 2.8. Gutless and horrible MPG, carbs and computers don't mix.

Second, probably stock axles and gears so it'll be even more gutless and weak to boot.

 

[fishunterx]

Not looking so much for wheelin, just something reliable that I can take hunting and have the 4wd. Gas mileage would be nice since this will be my daily driver. Sounds like there is some controversy over which V6 is the best. I'm guessing 2.9L or 4.0L sound like my best bet and I should avoid the 2.8L and the 3.0L?

 

[Hahnsb2]

3.0 is OK, just not available in a 1st gen, and neither is the 4.0. If you insist on 1st gen I would stick with the 2.3 or 2.9.

 

[TheTopher]

The 3.0 is a FANTASTIC motor. I'd take one over a 2.9 any day of the week. They have a bit less low end torque but they make up for it by being more reliable and not having the head cracking issue.

 

[gwaii]

the op stated that he was looking at first gens....so that kinda eliminates 3.0 and 4.0 unless a swap is being done.

so that leaves the 2.0,2.3,2.8,and 2.9.......of this crew i would go 2.9 every time-and if i wanted to upgrade a 4.0 swap would be the next step.


edit-there was one other choice,the 2.3td(ok-two choices....the 2.2 diesel was offered too,stay away)and this would be my #1 choice,if i could find one.

 

[jhammel85]

If we're talking of 1st gens, I'd say go 2.9 or 2.3. I think the 2.8 is a viable choice...I've heard they are alot like the 2.9. Hard to kill just very slow.

Of course, the 2.9's are known to crack heads. Keep it cool and you'll hopefully be alright. Personally, I love the 2.9 V6. If 4.0 OHV was an option it would be the only one knocking the 2.9 off my list.

Personally, I love the 2.9 V6. There's just something about it...