Should I go for this truck?

[stealthsniper96]

Been in the market for a truck. Found a 1995 ranger, 3.0 v6, 5 speed, extended cab, 136,000 miles, 4x4. the ad says its in good shape but I've only seen 2 pictures. This would be used as a daily driver, but I'll also do a lot of work to it (lift and so on). Asking $1900. Should I check it out? How were those trucks? How many miles can I expect out of that engine/transmission? Thanks.

 

[dburton07]

Been in the market for a truck. Found a 1995 ranger, 3.0 v6, 5 speed, extended cab, 136,000 miles, 4x4. the ad says its in good shape but I've only seen 2 pictures. This would be used as a daily driver, but I'll also do a lot of work to it (lift and so on). Asking $1900. Should I check it out? How were those trucks? How many miles can I expect out of that engine/transmission? Thanks.

i'd check it out. i have done some maintenance work on my 93,i bought it in june of 06 with 109k and it just rolled to 139k, but i have had no problems with the engine at all, just manifolds and water pump that i replaced last year, but they were the original parts. other stuff like seals and bearings etc ive done to it. couple friends have 3.0s with over 200k and runnin strong. not sure about the manual trannys, but i havent had any problems with my auto yet.

 

[dranger21]

Well it doesnt sound like a bad deal if its in decent shape. The 3.0 motor is a dog but they run for quite a while if its taken care of. I know its not odd to hear of one running 200-300k. Mine leaks a little oil but its not even enough that I have to add any between oil changes. I dont know a whole lot about transmissions but mine is a 99 with the 4r44e and I had to replace it at about 75,000. Thats not the norm but I don't think they put up with a whole lot of abuse if you plan to do a whole lot of offroading with it. Thats about the best I can tell you. Theres other members on here that know a lot more about them than I do but I think I'd go for it.

 

[dburton07]

yea i forgot a couple things too, my valve covers leak a little bit, its not a powerhouse, and i bought mine for $3000

 

[countryboy111789]

I got a 92 and my brother has a 93 both 3.0l and manuals the only problems with the manual is the rubber plugs in the shift tower. Both of our truck has had that problem. btw mine has 130000 miles and his has 180000 miles.

 

[3literEarl91]

I am a fan of the 3.0 and honestly do not feel it is underpowered. It is a truck not a sports car. Mine runs great, uses no oil, and gets 20-25 combined mpg. Oh, it has 350000 on it too.

 

[koda6966]

IMO you should go for it. The 3.0 is a long lasting (but gutless) motor and the manual trannies are wonderful.

And, being a 3rd gen (1993-1997) parts are plentiful!

 

[stealthsniper96]

How would it be offroading?

 

[JohnnyO]

Sounds like a good price. Bud of mine has a 96 with the same drivetrain and well over 200,000 miles. No problems other than normal wear and tear items.

How would it be offroading?

Don't even bother with 4-Hi. When I had my '99 3.0 I'd just put it in 4-Lo and 2nd gear and that was fine most of the time.

 

[stealthsniper96]

Went and looked at it today. The guy sellin it wasnt there so I talked to his dad. The guy bought it sometime over the summer and now doesn't need it anymore. I gave it a quick look over- rear bumper was kinda bent up, a small dent in the driver door, and the flip down console thingy on the front seat (40/20/40 style) wouldnt stay closed- looked like a broken latch. No plates either. But some of my uncles buddies have a shop so I'll get them to check it out. How much do you think it would be to fix the console? bumper i'm not to worried about.

 

[tpking]

i always just put a rubber band around my console .. they are BAD for breaking the latch

 

[woodyedmiston]

One - go drive a used ranger with a 4.0 before you settle on a 3.0 - there is a world of difference.

Two MAJOR CONCERN - don't buy it unless the seller guarantees you that it can be registered. In fact, don't buy it if you do not transfer the title and get an inspection sticker for it. If it has no plates there could be something major keeping it from being done. Catlytic converter, tires, the wrong motor, yada yada.

 

[pacodiablo]

The 3.0 with the M5OD is a pretty strong combo. I'd expect many more miles out of it if basic maintenance has been done.

I don't know if the '95 3.0 uses a distributor or EDIS, but if it uses EDIS, I'd change the cam synchronizer and CPS right off the bat with new Motorcraft parts. It'll cost you around $100 if you buy the parts online ($170 or so for both the synchro and CPS at the dealer). Many 3.0s experience cam synchro failures, and if you don't catch it in time it could kill the engine. It's a fairly simple part to replace, so you may as well take care of it before it becomes a problem. Other than that, the 3.0 is a very reliable engine.

My biggest concern would be rust. 1993+ Rangers seem to resist rust better than most other small trucks, but any truck that has spent time in an area that uses a lot of salt could have rust damage. If you find significant rot, I'd pass. Be sure to check the header panel/radiator support area. This area is hard to get with rustproofing and a lot of salt can build up back there. My Explorer's header panel was about 1/2 eaten by rust since it was a somewhat neglected PA truck.

 

[stealthsniper96]

I don't know if the '95 3.0 uses a distributor or EDIS, but if it uses EDIS, I'd change the cam synchronizer and CPS right off the bat with new Motorcraft parts. It'll cost you around $100 if you buy the parts online ($170 or so for both the synchro and CPS at the dealer). Many 3.0s experience cam synchro failures, and if you don't catch it in time it could kill the engine.

Kind of confused. What are cam synchronizers and CPS? and how can i tell what kind they are?

 

[pacodiablo]

Kind of confused. What are cam synchronizers and CPS? and how can i tell what kind they are?

The cam synchronizer essentially takes the place of the distributor on Fords with distributorless ignition (EDIS). The cam position sensor sits on top of it, and on 1997 and older trucks it can be a contributing factor to the cam synchronizer failing. The parts are located at the back of the engine on the passenger side. An EDIS truck will have a rectangular coil pack.

This issue would not keep me from buying the truck, it's just a weak (and thankfully easy to replace) part on an otherwise great engine.