2002 Ranger 6cyl 3.0 Question

[OldMan2]

I'm looking at a 2002 Ranger 6cyl 3.0. I know nothing about this engine. Any thoughts?

 

[mikkelstuff]

I have the same engine in my 2002 Ranger XLT with 4WD. 135,000 miles on it so far. I believe this to be a long lasting reliable engine BUT -this engine is no screamer. It will run 80 mph all day but it takes a while to get there. I do have to be judicious entering the Interstate.

If danged Colorado emissions allowed it, I'd swap out this 3.0L for a 5.0L eight regardless of the cost.

 

[Curious Hound]

Pretty reliable engine. Power is at higher rpm's. But it will run all day long with no complaints. I hope to swap mine out some day. But it's ok in the mean time.

 

[OldMan2]

Thanks to all.

 

[Dirtman]

Check the cam position sensor. Make sure you dont here any chirping or squeaking from that area. Its a known weak spot on the 3.0. Its driven by the oil pump where the distributer use to be. They sometimes dont get enough oil and can start getting chewed up and in a worst case scenario cause oil pump failure (very rare). Other than that its a good slow reliable engine.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I've never owned a 3.0L... but I've had several 4.0L's. I think the 4.0L OHV and SOHC engines probably had more problems then the 3.0L's. The first gen 4.0L SOHC being the worst of all. But I just like the lower end torque the 4.0L's make and I don't feel like I'm beating it to merge into traffic or getting to speed.

That said... If it was the right truck at the right price... I would buy it with a 3.0L.

As with all used vehicle purchases... give it your due diligence... good luck.