Looking for Opinions on the 3.0

[RangerAndrew1989]

Hey everybody, Im looking into getting a newer ranger. its hard to find a good ranger with the 4.0 where im at. Most of the trucks around here are 3.0 v6s. What is everybodys take on this motor? Is it a good choice to buy one with the 3.0 or should i wait to find a 4.0.

 

[Big Jim M]

WAIT! Or find one on line and go get it where it is.. You should tell everybody with your signature where you are...
Big Jim

 

[Earl43P]

Depends.

I liked my 3.0 (2000 4wd 5 speed 4.10LS).
With small tires (235/75-15) it's peppy enough.

I towed an Explorer with it on a two wheel dolly 200+ miles, no problem.
I've filled the bed with so much weight it bottomed . Still drove fine, just don't expect to use 5th or OD.

I would NOT get one with an automatic, but some like them with autos and 2wd.

It doesn't really "wake up" until over 3000 rpms.
Only 4.0 I've had was the SOHC in a 99 Explorer. It was definitely more powerful, but my 3.0 did everything I needed it to, including pulling people out of mud, snow and ditches. In 4Lo it's a mountain goat, just like any 4wd Ranger.

It regularly got better than 18 mpg with my aggressive driving.

I'd say if you prefer an automatic and larger than stock tires, wait and find a 4.0.
If your terrain is hilly/mountainous, get the 4.0; 3.0 requires a lot of downshifting and rpms. Otherwise a 3.0 will get the job done and last a long time.

 

[stmitch]

The 3.0 isn't a bad motor at all, despite what many people say. It's not a power house out of the box, but it does have enough torque that it can be used as a truck. They're reliable as hell as long as you take decent care of them. Mine is pushing 200,000 miles, and besides replacing my cam synchronizer (a week ago), a couple of fuel injectors, and regular maintenance (oil changes and spark plugs), it hasn't needed a thing. There were also hundreds of thousands of 3.0's made over it's 20+ year life span, so parts are readily available.
If you're doing lots of towing, offroading, or just want the most power you can get, then I'd hold out for a 4.0. If you want a reliable truck that will get used as a truck from time to time, then the 3.0 will work just fine.

 

[nlarr81]

i have a 3.0 4x4 auto......and love her.....she was my work truck (for roofing)for 2 years intill she was paid for......i'v had her 6 years now and never had a motor problem.....
she doesnt go over 80 and she isnt a race car but she does everything i need her to do

 

[stiluv]

i have a 99 4x4 5 speed with a 3.0. its pushing 33 with 3.73 gears it does alright. a little bit of porting and polishing of the heads and intake really opens the 3.0's up. they are under powered in stock form but they wont die. if you want power buy a 4.0. if you want a motor that will be a good reliable daily driver buy a 3.0. not saying that a 4.0 is bad though i just love my 3.0.

 

[Froggmann]

I love the 3.0 in my truck, 161k and runs like new. Pulled 2 quads, trailer and 600lbs of camping gear last year over 450 miles round trip, had no problem pulling grades at 60mph and cruised down the freeway at 75 in 5th. Average over 20mpg hwy empty consistently.

Do yourself a favor and get a 5spd if you get a 3.0, the autos suck.