4.0 vs. 3.0

[mckane]

Hello, i just sold my '94/4.0 and i'm looking to buy a '99/3.0, i know there's a difference i just want to know if i'm going to miss my 4.0 too much. thanks.

 

[Big Jim M]

Yep! You'll be hollaring for an engine change-out!
Big JIm

 

[mckane]

i thought so, i'll wait until i find a good 4.0. thanks!!!

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

Yep! You'll be hollaring for an engine change-out!
Big JIm

Dang Jim, that post is about perfect!


Yeah man...you'll be regretting it.

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

It depends...

The 94 4.0 was an OHV, so it only has 10 more HP, but 40 ft-lbs more torque.

If you do a lot of towing, or if it's a 4x4 with big tires, yes, the 3.0 will seem like a turd and you'll hate it.

If it's just a 2wd that you use for commuting, the 3.0 will do a perfectly fine job of keeping up with traffic and likely get you 1-3 mpg better than a 4.0.

 

[Tommy]

I routinely drive 3.0 Rangers and 4.0 SOHC Rangers (2001+), and yes there is a huge difference. I'll admit after a while I usually get used to the 3.0 but as soon as I get behind the wheel of a 4.0 again it all comes back to me. I wouldn't be able to own a 3.0 and be happy.

 

[93rangerguy]

i like my 3.0 but thats just my opinion i had a 4.0 it was ok but their a lot worse on gas

 

[kennykenny]

I have a 3.0 and hands down the 4.0 is the way to go.

 

[Ranger44]

Here's my take.

A 3.0 in a 2wd that you'd tow with every once in a while would be a good setup. A 3.0 kinda sucks as a 4x4 engine without steep gearing. If you want just a commuter that'd see a few bags of dirt, or a table, etc, every once in a while an N/A 2.3/5 Lima or 2.3 Duratech would be my choice.

A 4.0 OHV is a better choice for a 4x4, and/or for a truck that'll see alot of towing. See, it's not how much torque the OHV make vs. the 3.0......It's the RPM at which it makes it. Seeing as the OHV isn't made anymore......the SOHC 4.0 would be substituted.

Now, a 5.0 swap? Heavy, big, 8 cylinders, worse fuel mileage, etc. Bah.....would be cool but not worth it in my opinion.

A 2.3 Turbo swap is what's on my mind right now. Using a small iHi turbo on a basic stock turbo setup.....I'd make enough torque when needed to tow(of coarse I'd have a big A$$ radiator to keep it cool under boost), or plow through snow drifts, and still have a 4 cylinder displacement to get the 20+ mpg on a regular basis while cruising the interstate or highways. The 2.3 also has a big aftermarket........see why it's so appealing?

Having heard opinions on, and driven quite a few of, ALL engine swaps and ALL stock engines......that's my opinion.