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Would you sell your old ranger if you had to rebuild your engine?


Tunnermann

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I've got some oil leaks at the front and rear of the engine + it's burning some oil.

My mechanic said I'd have to pull out my engine change the seals and check for clearance in the cilinders.

That would cost me like 60% of what I've paid for it.

It has plenty of smaller problems, so I dunno if ai should sell it or keep it.


It's a 94 4.0 v6 Ohc engine.
 


97RangerXLT

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How many miles? what transmission? what does the body and frame look like?

Those are all considerations. if it was under 200k andin otherwise good condition, I would consider a used lower mileage engine with all new seals in it. then take and rebuild your old engine at your leisure and as your budget allows.

if it is a 25 year old sh!tbox, yeah might be time to let it go...

AJ
 

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It's probably a 4.0L OHV engine.

It would depend on how plenty the other problems are... and how much you like it.

If you like it and the other issues are easy or inexpensive to repair... I would find a soild used engine and drop it in.
 

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I'd pull the engine and deal with it, but there are always a lot of factors that play into that. If you have the time/tools/space/knowledge to deal with it yourself then it's usually an easy decision. If any one of those factors is a problem and you have to pay someone else for the amount of labor required to R&R an engine plus the work and materials to fix whatever's wrong, the balance can swing towards replacing the vehicle in a hurry when you're dealing with an older car or truck that has no significant value.
 

RonD

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I am over 400k on my 1994 4.0l Ranger, have done the heads(3 times, don't ask, lol) but lower end is original
Manual trans
New radiator(twice) and water pump(twice)
3 heater cores, they are cheap and easy to replace, they like to clog up, so swap hoses at the firewall once a year that seems to make them last longer

Have done ball joints and carrier bearing(twice), all u-joints 4WD
Rear leaf spring hangers(both), front are still OK
Rear brake line, likes to rust out between frame and gas tank

So the 1994 chassis can take the miles

But if you are not doing the mechanical work yourself then it does become an issue
 

cbxer55

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My 98 will be getting a tow to the scrappers should it ever go tango uniform. Bye-bye.
 

PetroleumJunkie412

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Nope. That part is the most fun.
 

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If you aren't capable of doing the work yourself then I'd say no its not worth it. Labor fees from a mechanic will be too much. If you can pull the motor yourself you could simply buy a reman engine or a good junkyard engine with a warranty and stick that in.

If it's your only transportation then again its probably not worth it either since the downtime will be pretty significant. In that case buy something else and sell the ranger or keep it as a backup truck.

Like has been said lots of factors depending on your mechanical skills, financial situation, condition of the rest of the truck etc.
 

black_demon69

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Funny that you should ask this question. Because I am currently rebuilding my 4.0l from my 94 in process of putting it back together now. For me the decision was simple as it is paid for and I hate car payments also have other things to drive. Priced getting it put in for me w/ jasper reman @ 5500 to 6000 so I am doing myself and will end up costing me approx 2000 with new starter, clutch rebuilding alternator, and electrical temp and oil pressure gauges. End result is I like the truck it is paid for and in other wise in good condition and will still have no car payment. Also I can write it off on my taxes.... Because I use truck for work.
 

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Vehicles are a money pit, some worse than others. A few, select models will allow you to break even or actually make money in them over time but that is rare.

It all depends on your situation, if you can do the bulk of the work yourself, and how much you like the truck.

Me, since I have a backup vehicle, mechanical ability, and most of the equipment already, would probably take a whack at fixing the engine. Most times, doing a repair is cheaper than another vehicle payment. Of course, like others have mentioned, it depends on the condition of the rest of the truck too.
 

adsm08

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I would look at the sum total of all repairs it needs now, and all it will likely need in the next year, factor in the condition of the frame and body, and then see what you would have to lay out to replace it.

Assuming the body and frame are sound, it is almost always cheaper to repair the existing vehicle, and for me it is all about the total lay out of money. I have things to do with my money and buying and repairing vehicles is low on my list of priorities right now, so I'd take the cheapest route possible.
 

Tunnermann

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The body is ok. There's only one dent in it. But the paint is not the best... Half of it needs a re-spray. The bushings are very squeaky, and suspension is kind of stiff. Interior is also not the best... But it's not terrible. Instead of spending all this money on repairs I could upgrade to a 10 year younger version.

Engine wise... What engine is better, 4.0 gasoline or the 2. Something liter diesel?

I'd have to do ask for help to do the repairs and buy some tools, like the engine lift thing... Or pay lots for a mechanic to do it.
 

85_Ranger4x4

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Just stay 4.0, as close to your year as possible.

You can rent engine hoists.
 

black_demon69

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Much easier to keep current engine configuration than to change it. Engine hoist can be rented. You can do the job with mostly basic tools. So really boils down to what it is worth to you...
 

adsm08

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Also look at local classifieds. I bought my engine hoist out of the paper used once. Paid half of retail for it, and have made more money with it than I paid for it, not to mention what I have saved with it.
 

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