ranger engines reliability

[jteasl1]

lookin to get a ranger. Which engine is the most reliable, has the most miles with least bit of trouble?

 

[straycat]

lookin to get a ranger. Which engine is the most reliable, has the most miles with least bit of trouble?

I have owned several Rangers and Bronco II's. I had 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 4.0 and I never had a problem with any motor...EVER. As long as you maintain a motor it will last you and take care of you. Are you buying a motor to install in a body? Just make sure you buy a motor that any trans that you have will work with it or that is going to be an extra unexpected cost.

 

[exbass94]

Basically all the Ranger engines are really reliable. If you tell us which year Rangers you're looking at, we can tell you which engines are available and what to look out for on each. For example, we could tell you all about the 2.9 V6 (which has been discontinued for about 20 years), but unless you're looking at trucks that are 20+ years old, it's irrelevant.

 

[fastpakr]

That's generally true. Cam chain issues on the SOHC 4.0 are a bit of a mess, but other than that it's a reliable motor. The OHV 4.0, 3.0, and 2.3/2.5/2.3Duratec are all very solid.

 

[dasfinc]

That's generally true. Cam chain issues on the SOHC 4.0 are a bit of a mess, but other than that it's a reliable motor. The OHV 4.0, 3.0, and 2.3/2.5/2.3Duratec are all very solid.

My dual spark 2.5 (98) was still running strong at 212K Miles when it was swapped for my V-8...

And my 4.0 (00) is running strong as an ox, minus a miss because it needs a tuneup at 152K.

 

[jteasl1]

Im lookin to get a third or forth generation. My buddy has a 94 4.0 with 400,000 mi. Thats what sold me to begin with. I also understand the 3.0 is long lasting and has been dubbed "the cockroach". Basically I just want a dependable little truck that will haul a 16' bateau every little while.

 

[fastpakr]

Either the 3.0 or 4.0 will do just fine with that. I'd definitely look for one backed by a manual transmission.

 

[kevinsranger]

Im lookin to get a third or forth generation. My buddy has a 94 4.0 with 400,000 mi. Thats what sold me to begin with. I also understand the 3.0 is long lasting and has been dubbed "the cockroach". Basically I just want a dependable little truck that will haul a 16' bateau every little while.

the ohv 4.0 is very strong, mine has 300,000 of poor maintenance (previous owner was a friend) and it still runs perfectly, the suspension on the other hand are breaking down around the engine

 

[Psychopete]

I'd have to vote on the 2.3L SOHC engine being #1 for least problematic and how severe some common problems are, and the 4.0L OHV second. Then the pre-CPS-ed 3.0Ls. But just my opinion..

 

[adsm08]

Basically all the Ranger engines are really reliable.

+1. Most Ford engines that have been around for more than 10 years are pretty good. As said before, the 4.0 SOHC can turn into a mess if the timing chain goes, but I don't see that often.

I also just saw (in person) my first blown up 4-cyl. It was a 2.0 DOCH focus, but the part that let go is basically the same as the Ranger 2.3. Evidence suggests that oil hasn't been changed in close to 20K miles.

If you take good care of your Ranger, it will take good care of you. If you beat the crap out of it, but maintain it well, it will still take pretty good care of you.

 

[Mac]

I lost the 4.0L in my 2000 at 67,000 miles, cracked head or head gasket. Same thing happened to a guy at with with same truck, same year at 72,000. My old room mate has almost 300K on his 4.0L. Think it was the 2.9L that had problems with bad heads also. No matter what, nothing will scare me away from a fine built Ford motor!
Dave

 

[86 slo-vo]

if your wanting to tow get a 4.0 ohv with a 5 speed...

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

if u dont need a v6 the 2.3/2.5 sohc engines are strong as hell. not too powerful, but very very reliable

 

[-Nathan-]

my 4.0 has over 350 000 on it, and still runs STRONG. Not to mention it gets beat on every day. All Ive ever done is general maintenance.

 

[ronclark]

I would have to say too that the 2.3L is reliable we have one at work and people keep forgetting to check oil. it been run out of oil 3 times and it still runs strong