Getting a 3.0 powered Ranger and I have questions

[LonesomeSTX]

I am getting a really good deal on a 2000 or 2001 Ranger with a 3.0. It has well over 100,000 miles on it and a few minor problems. But over all it is well worth getting. Anyhoo, the truck gets terrible mileage. For a V-6 one would think it would get better mileage that our 96F250 with a 351. A tune up along with an electric fan, better inatake and better exhaust is what I have planned. I want to do minor stuff to this truck. What else should I do to make it run better and get better milage? Also, are there any common issues with these engines I should be aware of? I just want a good relaible truck that will serve as a daily driver and get us by until I am ready for my other plans for it.

 

[Rearanger]

the truck gets terrible mileage.

What would that be?

 

[LonesomeSTX]

WHen my wife barroed it she said it was getting around 10 a gallon.

 

[Rearanger]

You'll need to do more than one tank or part tank to get close to accurate average mileage. Depending on driving habits, terrain, the season and ethanol content of gas you could average about 20 mpg. I've gotten 18 as the worst and 22 as the best with a MT, but average out long term to about 21mpg right now. If the 10mpg is correct then something is really wrong and no amount of your "minor stuff" list will correct it. I'm surprised you haven't got a code if that mileage is correct. I'd try to verify mileage first then figure out how to fix.

 

[James86]

You'll need to do more than one tank or part tank to get close to accurate average mileage. Depending on driving habits, terrain, the season and ethanol content of gas you could average about 20 mpg. I've gotten 18 as the worst and 22 as the best with a MT, but average out long term to about 21mpg right now. If the 10mpg is correct then something is really wrong and no amount of your "minor stuff" list will correct it. I'm surprised you haven't got a code if that mileage is correct. I'd try to verify mileage first then figure out how to fix.

^^^^^^^This.

I've found the winter is wreaking havoc on my mileage. I was getting about 14 in town on E85, but it's dropped to about 10-11mpg. Back when I used gasoline (E10 in MN), I could hit about 22mpg easily enough on the highway, and my best was 24MPG on a 2 hour drive, but never got it again.

If your truck is at 100,000 miles, it might be due for a plain old tune up like plugs and wires. I know when I pulled my plugs at around 98,000 (I had the money then so thats when I did it), the gap was so far off somehow my gap tool didn't even register it. So before you start tearing off fans and stuff, just go over it good to see if it needs any simple stuff. If you just got it, you can't say for sure how well its been maintained. It seems to me far too many people jump on here as soon as they get a Ranger and want to tear into it as fast as possible. I waited about two years before touching mine, and only did exhaust.

As far as trouble spots, the cam synchro gets mentioned alot, and while I've replaced my sensor, the shaft looked fine when I replaced it. Otherwise, I'm at 118,000 miles now and I bought it with 78,000 and only major thing I've had to do was carrier bearings in the back axle and an injector. O2 sensors are regular maintenance (when they go) as far as I'm concerned, along with the plugs, wires, flushing the tranny, and replacing balljoints, so I don't consider them anything out of the ordinary on my 11 year old truck. Only hiccups you might have is if you have a FFV 3.0, but IIRC they got rid of the alcohol sensor that my 99 has in later years. Other than that half the people I know with Rangers - up to 6 at one point - have a 3.0 and they seem to like it, and me and one other guy have FFV's but havent really had any FFV-related issues.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I use to be into nothing but Rangers. I have always had and loved first and second Gen's. But this one is all new to me. I just started reading up on it last night when I posted this thread. I saw some write ups about the sychro and that worries me. I thought the ten miles a gallon was a bit odd as well. But she is ussually correct with that sort of thing. If this deal does go through (which I think it will) I think it will be a good truck once it gets some love and overdue maintainence. However, I have much to learn about it still.

 

[Rearanger]

If this deal does go through

If the 10mpg is correct you may want a mechanic to look at it first. That kind of mileage is an indicator of something wrong, and you don't want it to be an expensive fix. At the least I would do a hot compression test.

 

[oachs83]

First off just remember "a really good deal" may not be so good after considering all the work you might have to do, just take that into consideration. I would just hate to see you buy someone else's problem. Also note that the 3.0 is no speed demon or torque monster. It is a good utility engine that gets the job done. Electric fan/intake is not going to do anything for you as far as ever being worth it. The problem at hand is why are you almost going through twice as much fuel? Everyone has already posted great advice, I would take it.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I plan to. I have learned way more than I knew before I posted this. Even if the drive train is shot the body and chassis are in great shape. I just happen to have a late model 351W roller that needs a home.