How Many Miles is Too Many Miles?

[Marsellus_Wallace]

Hi folks,

Long time lurker. TRS seems to be a great community and I wanted to introduce myself and solicit a few opinions about mileage. First things first though, Im a proud owner of a 1995 Ranger XLT ext cab 3.0 4wd 5 speed. I've had it for a little over a year and have come to enjoy it far more than I thought I would. It has about 175k on the odo shows great and drives ok (I need to rebuild the front end and replace a noisy throw out bearing) My truck is kind of like the kid that doesn't have natural talent or strength to be on the field with the team but he tries harder than everyone else and ends up punching above his weight, to mix sports metaphors. It's a good truck.

I have the opportunity to "upgrade" to a 2003 Ext cab XLT FX4. It is nicer in every way. Bigger 4.0 engine, 4.10s limited slip instead of my 3.73 open rear (The 3.73s are a shot in the taint to the poor 3.0 imho) cruise control, mach audio system, true IRS instead of TTB (which I prefer)- Here is the rub: the 03 has over 300k. Shows like it has 80k. No signs of trans issues or timing chain problems which are the first things I look for in rangers with the early SOHC 4.0. Oil changed every 3k and the trans fluid is a nice clear pink.

What do you guys think? How many miles is too many? Because of my job I won't be into the 03 for very much (less than 2k) but I KNOW it's an "I told you so" waiting to happen as soon as something goes out....

 

[adsm08]

It's only "too many" miles once rods are hanging out of the block.

 

[Marsellus_Wallace]

True... True...

I suppose as long as the compression #s are good I can take a chance. It has brand new Firestone destinations on it too.

The distance between the earth and moon is about 240k. This thing is on it's way back.

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS~!

It's too bad these trucks can't talk because we might have a better idea of how they were treated. Aside from that...our experience and knowledge of these trucks is all we can really count on when buying them.

Aside from the timing chain issues the newer version of the 4.0 has, it is a better engine in many ways. I've only heard about it on here and have no idea if there is a way to tell that it is an issue...other than minor performance issues associated with a belt that is slightly out...but not even sure about that...

Others might be able to clue you in better...but that's all I've heard...

The newer Rangers seem to be built tough and meant to last...I took out a 2011 for a test drive recently (OK, I didn't actually drive it) with my brother and it was a fantastic riding and driving truck...if it weren't for the price tag I'd have it sitting in my driveway right now...

 

[Marsellus_Wallace]

Thank you for the welcome Mark. TRS seems to be a fairly civil place compared to some forums out there.

I associate timing chain or guide issues with rattles on start up operation or any check engine lights that might indicate the timing is off due to a jumped tooth. I saw an 01 sport trac the other day with 118k, good miles for the year to be sure, but rattled like a SOB on start up. It was pretty neglected overall. The ranger im looking at has 0 odd noises. Im still having a hard time believing the trans hasent been rebuilt or replaced at 302k.

 

[Mark_88]

I'm sure you will find most people on here to be civil...there are still a few surly members but they mostly only jump on the repetitive posters...not that I blame them, actually...lol

Rattles might be a good way to determine that now that you mention it...my 2.3 has a belt and if that rattles you know there is a major problem...