New to the forum

[Davejb]

Hey all, old guy here
I'm picking up a new used Ranger on Saturday, a 2002 regular cab 2wd, 3.0, 130k on the odo. I bought a 2020 Ranger last year then found out my job was switching me to permanent work from home, figured it didn't make much sense to pay $400+ a month for a truck I drive once a week. Sold it back to the dealer and am paying cash for the 2002. I had a 2001 many moons ago so not new to this model. Will be here to keep up on the Ranger goings on and get/give some help.

 

[ericbphoto]

 

[Uncle Gump]

Nice truck... looks pretty darn clean.

Welcome to TRS...

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Welcome aboard

 

[Davejb]

Nice truck... looks pretty darn clean.

Welcome to TRS...

Frame looks very good considering it's New Hampshire, maybe being RWD kept it off the winter roads, has an aftermarket old radio in it so I'm assuming there's was a wiring hack job but that's easy to deal with. I also looked at a 2002 Edge with similar miles that was in great shape with the 4.0, went with this one as I didn't want to deal with the timing chain issues.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I still like the 4.0L SOHC... I believe it's still king of the factory power plants. But I also own a 2.9L... so what do I know.

The 3.0L has to be run up the RPM scale to achieve it's potential... still a reliable engine. If you loose a cam synchronizer it pretty much ends the same way as a 4.0L SOHC timing chain failure. If you are not familiar with it... search it up on here and be aware that they do fail.

With all things engine related... it's pretty much about the maintenance. Take good care of them and they run a long time.

Been in the "Salt Belt" my entire life... it's rare to see one 15 to 20 years old that isn't nearly rusted away.

 

[Davejb]

I'll look into that, ty for the info. I don't do any towing, do maybe 1k miles a year, I think the 3.0 will be fine for yardwork and home depot runs.

 

[ericbphoto]

I'll look into that, ty for the info. I don't do any towing, do maybe 1k miles a year, I think the 3.0 will be fine for yardwork and home depot runs.

The 3.0 works great. Just take care of it.

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.

 

[Davejb]

I still like the 4.0L SOHC... I believe it's still king of the factory power plants. But I also own a 2.9L... so what do I know.

The 3.0L has to be run up the RPM scale to achieve it's potential... still a reliable engine. If you loose a cam synchronizer it pretty much ends the same way as a 4.0L SOHC timing chain failure. If you are not familiar with it... search it up on here and be aware that they do fail.

With all things engine related... it's pretty much about the maintenance. Take good care of them and they run a long time.

Been in the "Salt Belt" my entire life... it's rare to see one 15 to 20 years old that isn't nearly rusted away.

I researched the cam synchronizer, as I have no maint records and the truck has 130k on it I'm going to replace it with the Motorcraft part, better safe than sorry, install looks pretty easy and it doesn't break the bank, appreciate the info.