First post

[Blitzed]

Hey everyone, I've been a long time lurker and after hours of searching I couldn't find an answer to my question. I am wanting to purchase to 07-09 4 cylinder ranger for work and some play, I will be using it to tow two sport bikes. I need to know how strong and reliable the automatic is, as I would prefer the auto. But if it is a POS like a A4LD then I'll snag the manual.

Also what is the proper name for the manual and automatic trans in the Duratec rangers


Thanks in advance


Blitz

 

[martin]

I don't believe there's an issue with transmissions on four cylinder trucks, it's the sixes that give the transmissions a hard time due to the torque, performance will probably be quite sedate with a four and an auto. The later autos are much improved over the original a4ld, I think the later ones are something like a 55re. The manual is a m50r1.

 

[Blitzed]

I don't believe there's an issue with transmissions on four cylinder trucks, it's the sixes that give the transmissions a hard time due to the torque, performance will probably be quite sedate with a four and an auto. The later autos are much improved over the original a4ld, I think the later ones are something like a 55re. The manual is a m50r1.

My current tow rig is a 3.slow automatic shortbox with a stopped up cat, So I know all about "sedate". I would prefer the extra towing of the auto... 2 sport bikes plus gear/tools and other things for track days, the auto 4 meets the need perfectly. Also the woman will be driving the truck some so thats another vote for Automatic. I could throw a tuner or something on it to give it a little more pep, But I'm all too aware its going to be slow haha

 

[4x4junkie]

The auto seems to be rated higher NOT because it's a stronger transmission, but rather because Ford (actually all of the Big 3 I think) thinks too many people will burn up their clutches trying to tow with a stickshift.
The stickshift trans (M5OD) is a much stronger and more durable transmission. If you know how to use a clutch, get the stick if you plan to tow (especially with a 4cyl), and the lowest axle gear ratio available (4.10 I think).

See this post:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21839

 

[Blitzed]

The auto seems to be rated higher NOT because it's a stronger transmission, but rather because Ford (actually all of the Big 3 I think) thinks too many people will burn up their clutches trying to tow with a stickshift.
The stickshift trans (M5OD) is a much stronger and more durable transmission. If you know how to use a clutch, get the stick if you plan to tow (especially with a 4cyl), and the lowest axle gear ratio available (4.10 I think).

See this post:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21839

That is just what I needed to know, So I need to find one with a tow package or buy the gears myself?

 

[GreatWhite]

I have an 08' 2.3L auto and I havent really had any problems with it even with the 33 inch tires. I think if you were to keep the stock tires, gears on it you should be ok for 2 street bikes

 

[94STXRanger]

An auto can tow just fine also, but people dont know how to tow properly with them. They bog the engines on hills, i.e. towing in overdrive. and rev them to much on hills in lower gears, both of which can heat the torque converter like crazy, which heats the fluid burning it. Then this fluid gets to your clutches and ruins them.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I have a 2.5 Lima Ranger with an auto and it's holding up pretty good but, then again, I do make sure I change the fluid in the pan, and filter every 10k miles (only change the fluid in the pan, and I wouldn't recommend the little flusher device your dealership would use). I flat towed my BII home (~5 miles) and it didn't even really notice it. I will say the auto does suck ALOT of power... My '90 2.3 5-speed felt like it had WAY more torque than my '00 Ranger... I really like the Lima engines, and have had no experience with the Duratec, so I can't comment there... Good Luck!!

 

[Blitzed]

Well thanks a lot everyone!