Ranger rookie looking for insight.

[MADMODDER]

I found an '06 Sport Ranger with a 4L, 5 speed manual, 2 wheel drive 115k miles.

I'm a big VW guy and have all the tools. I have tools my local dealership doesnt have. I'm savy with maintenance and fixing just about everything on a car/truck. I want to swap in an ALH in the future. However, untill that time comes, this will be a daily and and I want to be able to go states away. Buying engines and transmission 10-12hr away.

So what are the common short comings/common problems of this generation/engine/drivetrain?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MADMODDER]

Is there a "common problem" thread for the 3 and 4l models?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I don't deal with the newer rangers so I can't comment. Free bump....

 

[RonD]

2006 was a pretty good year for Rangers with 4.0l SOHC engines, timing chain issue was resolved in '04/'05
3.0l had exhaust valve issues in 2006

So just change the oil and make sure coolant is changed every 5 years, "lifetime" coolant IMO is BS
Watch for coolant leaks around thermostat housing
Air leaks at the elbows of the PCV Valve hoses

The Manual trans is an M5OD-R1HD it uses ATF, yes, Automatic Transmission Fluid, make sure it is topped up

 

[adsm08]

Biggest "common" issue is the timing guides. And by 06 they weren't that much of an issue.

 

[MADMODDER]

I don't deal with the newer rangers so I can't comment. Free bump....

2006 was a pretty good year for Rangers with 4.0l SOHC engines, timing chain issue was resolved in '04/'05
3.0l had exhaust valve issues in 2006

So just change the oil and make sure coolant is changed every 5 years, "lifetime" coolant IMO is BS
Watch for coolant leaks around thermostat housing
Air leaks at the elbows of the PCV Valve hoses

The Manual trans is an M5OD-R1HD it uses ATF, yes, Automatic Transmission Fluid, make sure it is topped up

Is there an upgrade/aftermarket option for the exhaust valves?

Also, I live in a no smog test state. Can I delete the PVC hose and have a tuner delete them from the ECU?

Biggest "common" issue is the timing guides. And by 06 they weren't that much of an issue.

Bout how long do they last?

Also looking for tips as far as mods/upgrades. Oils, brakes, Headers/exhaust, intake. Maybe a tune. I really wanna build for efficiency, hauling capabilities and just look nice. I know companies make nice big diff covers for some 250s and such. Are there such upgrades for rangers?

Thanks fellas.

 

[RonD]

You have a 4.0l SOHC engine, the smaller 3.0l OHV V6 engine had the problem with exhaust valve seat recession, probably shouldn't have mentioned it
Just that was only engine issue in 2006

All Fuel injected Rangers have Cold Air Intakes and Scavenging exhausts(mid-range) from the factory
You can use headers to get better low-range power but you loose the mid-range

Look at the door sticker, as seen here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/axle_codes.shtml
See what axle and ratio you have now

Limited Slip(L/S, posi-traction) with 4.10 ratio is a good upgrade

4.0l SOHC runs 9.7:1 compression ratio so will be pingy on Regular gas(87 octane), Ford used a Knock/ping detector to change spark timing if pinging is detected, and that change in spark timing reduces power, but better than melted piston tops, lol.
Run higher octane gas WHEN you want more power to the wheels, Regular is fine for day to day driving, but to get the full 207 horse power you need to run at least 91 octane, 94 would be best.

 

[MADMODDER]

I asked about the 3L be ause the salesman is an idiot and told me it had the 4L before i made this thread.

Afterward, on our 3hr drive to the dealer, he told me its the 3L.

I got the price feom $10,800 to $8K out the door.

 

[MADMODDER]

It has a solid rear window. Can I convert it to one with a slide?

 

[MADMODDER]

Thanks for all the input but its got 2 DTCs. P0316 & P0304.

From what i found, it could be as bad as a head gasket so i didnt get it.