advice for a reliable daily driver ranger

[variable70]

Looking to get a used ranger 04 and up as a daily driver. 2.3 or 3.0. Which trans would be the most reliable the m5od or 5r44e? Probably drive it about 500 miles a week and do occasional home depot runs move a washer dryer stuff like that.

 

[91stranger]

They are all good in my opinion. Do you prefer auto or manual over the other? the 4 cyl with the manual trans will get the best gas mileage. Both motors are very dependable and easy to maintain. Transmission will just be a preference choice. If you are driving a lot of highway miles, get the manual trans. If you are driving a lot in the city get the auto trans. The 4 cyl can do just as much as the 6 cyl unless you plan on going mudding or towing something outrageous.

 

[stmitch]

They're both reliable engines. Personally, I greatly dislike the auto trans options that came in the ranger. They're really old designs that aren't particularly noteworthy in any way. They hurt fuel economy, and have more issues than the M5od. The sticks are pretty agricultural, but they have issues far less often (although replacing a clutch and slave cylinder isn't out of the question).

A duratec/ 5 speed truck can get 30 mpg. The same truck with an auto will get around 25mpg. And a 3.0 truck will get 15-20mpg depending on drivetrain, body style, gearing, etc.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

If you’re looking at a 3.0. Just get the 4.0. With a Manual behind it. And responsible driving. You’ll get the same mileage. And have all the power the 3.0 lacks

In my 96 explorer sport with a 5 speed. 4.0 OHV. and 200k miles on it. I regularly get 18 around town in it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Do watch for timing chain issues on the earlier 4.0's. It was around 04/05 before they figured out how to get their bandaided SOHC engine to work right.

 

[pjtoledo]

2005 reg cab, 2.3 with manual. I bought it new, hit 331,000 miles last weekend.

 

[Slammin Sam]

I bought a 2000 3.0 5 speed 2wd ext cab ranger with 72K on the clock. I put just over another 100K on it. Other than regular maintenance, I replaced the radiator at 120,000 and I put a clutch in it at 155,000 miles. I probably could have got another 10 to 15,000 miles out of it. Consistently got 23-24 mpg around town. I sold it with about 173,000 on it 4 years ago when I bought my 89 B2. I still see it around town a couple times a week. Don't turn your back on the 3.0

 

[Dangerrangers]

There all good trucks. Nuff said!!!!!!!!

 

[Andy D]

whatevr you get, check it underneath for frame rust . First thing to go is generally the spring mounts and the cab supports. .

 

[wildbill23c]

4x2 with the manual transmission. Great fuel economy, less to go wrong LOL.