ranger engines reliability

[explodan]

i have owned quite a few rbv's over the years, namely an 87 bII, 88 bII,91 explorer,92 explorer,and currently a 94 ranger extra cab stick. all have had at least 200k on them and sold all for more than i paid for them. i would not hesitate to buy another one as my oldest son is looking for one now. they are great trucks, and with regular mantinence, they just keep running. i hope this helps.

 

[superds]

aerostars are not ranger based, and that is not debatable

Well, I've heard some people call them an RBV so that's what I based my statement on. I didn't now this as fact so I added the debatable comment.

 

[TonkaSTX]

I just started up my 2.9L after it sat for 13 months with no love... In 2 years that I've owned it, I haven't changed the oil

 

[3.0ranger1227]

The engine is not the problem in my 03 3.0... the transmission doesn't feel very good anymore though(automatic)

 

[Hopman]

The 2.3/2.5 4 cylenders are good stout engines. Not exactly the most powerful things, but very durable.

As for transmissions, you can't beat the M5OD stick-shift.

 

[Tractorman]

Well, lots of auto trans hate in here, but my love goes for the auto. The one behind my 4.0 is still kicking, and I've done a lot more towing than most 1/2 guys would do, or even try.

 

[jteasl1]

Thanks to everyone for the help and information. Just found a 04 2.3 with 142,000 for $4,000. Gonna go have a look.

 

[Mike Tonon]

I would suggest staying away from the 3.0l. Its significantly less powerful than the 4.0l but gets almost the same mileage. 4.0l v6 if you want the extra power or 4 cyl if you want fuel economy.

 

[dutt]

ford motors

i would say the 4.0 sohc is the best motor ford has evr put in a ranger horse power and reliable wise the come in 2000 and up rangers just b sure to check the upper and lower control arms and balljoints on the ranger u wish to purchase i found out the hard way rangers have weak fronends from the factory and i had to rebuild everything !

 

[jteasl1]

what about a 3.0 vulcan? What does anyone think about those?

 

[jteasl1]

I also hear the 2.9l v6 was not very good.?

 

[AgPete139]

It's good, too.

When you ask a question like that on here, it's like getting into a Coke vs Pepsi debate. Or with your other friends, Ford vs Chevy (however, we all really know the winner there).

Everyone is opinionated and loves their motors for whatever reason. If a product is good, you'll hear good things.


However, no one is bashing one motor in particular. That just means that there aren't too many problematic things that go on with these motors.

The only quirk with the 4.0L OHV is that at 200,000 miles, it MAY develop a lifter tap. This also comes from never checking your oil level, or constantly forgetting to change your oil. Ever.



I responded to you '91, 3.0L 70K miles thread.


Good luck.



Pete

 

[jhammel85]

It's good, too.

When you ask a question like that on here, it's like getting into a Coke vs Pepsi debate. Or with your other friends, Ford vs Chevy (however, we all really know the winner there).

Everyone is opinionated and loves their motors for whatever reason. If a product is good, you'll hear good things.


However, no one is bashing one motor in particular. That just means that there aren't too many problematic things that go on with these motors.

The only quirk with the 4.0L OHV is that at 200,000 miles, it MAY develop a lifter tap. This also comes from never checking your oil level, or constantly forgetting to change your oil. Ever.



I responded to you '91, 3.0L 70K miles thread.


Good luck.



Pete

Agreed! The 2.9 can be plenty reliable but of course, like any other motor, it has its flaws or problems that it's known for. I love mine anyway! Even if it is slow..

As far as the 3.0 goes, I've always heard that they are low on power in a truck like ours but pretty reliable. When I owned a Probe, they were some of the best motors you could put in one just for that reason...reliability.

 

[4.0B2]

i had a 2.9 in my b2 originally, my dad drove it. put 200,000 miles on it no problem. our explorer has 200,000 on the 4.0 runs like a top, no major work done on it. the lifter tap on it is just at an idle when just cranking it. its not bad tho, honestly i don't notice it anymore. i say 4.0 ohv. i've never dealt with the sohc or anything newer so.... idk there

 

[jteasl1]

i now own a white 91 ranger 3.0 single cab 2wd with 70,000 miles. bought it tuesday and drove to work today, over 20 miles one way on the interstate. Did great. Im very happy. Thanks to everyone for the info and interest.