2001 Ranger questions?

[aintskeered]

Not sure if this is in the correct category but I'm gonna give it a go.

I am looking at a 2001 Ranger with a 4.0 in it and I'm curious on what to look out for on them.

Its got 114k miles and supposably runs well, but I haven't owned this gen or engine before.

Any info is appreciated.

 

[RonD]

Its the first year for the 4.0l SOHC engine in Rangers, but Explorers got them in 1997 as an option

The two long timing chain tensioners were an issue, and you should plan on changing them if you get it, not hard to do
And then change them every 100k miles after that
Listen for a "rattle" on start up, and/or a "rattle" at mid-RPM, 2,500-3,000 or so, this means timing chain Guides are already broken so engine will need to come out to repair them.
Have read it can be repaired in vehicle with transmission removed, never seen it just read it

Google: 4.0l SOHC death rattle

Watch the 5:59 video
Has what to listen for and what breaks inside

4.0l SOHC is a good reliable engine, just had a bad start from a bad design on the early tensioners, and not 100% failure rate at all, just a "known" issue
So if its sounds OK and price is right don't let that scare you off
And its 207HP so a big jump from the 140HP 2.9l, lol

Not many other changes from 1998 thru 2003 with Rangers

 

[rubydist]

The other thing I would look for is that the paint on the frames was poor, so if its from the rust belt or not cared for well, the frame could be very rusty. Those frames were not particularly strong to begin with so any rusting is a real issue, imho. Somewhere along the way they did a better job with painting the frames because my 09 has way better paint on the frame than my 03 did.

 

[-Nate]

BIG TIME on the rusty frames ! .

My beloved 2001 Ranger spent it's entire life in Los Angeles and has little paint left on it .

it's a dandy work rig but damn Ford ~ whatever happened to 'quality is job one' ? .

These rigs are well designed and built but rust away long before they wear out .