should i hold out for a 4.0l?

[Psychopete]

It really depends what you want.

If it were me, I'd go with the 4.0L all day.

+1 to test drive and get the one you like best.

3.0L has been known to give a few owners CPS troubles after 75K-150K.. Same w/ 4.0L SOHC and timing chain tensioners. IMO, The OLD 3.0Ls w/ distributor were really solid engines. Watch for 3.0Ls from early 2000ish for the oil pan working out from between the pan. There is an upgraded gasket for this issue, and I would make them change it if I noticed this happening. You can see happening right on the front of the motor, under the dampner.

Pete

 

[Ranger44]

I'd say go with the 3.0/5 speed combo. Just read the qoute I have. I second Wicked, the auto's shift points are wrong for the 3.0. The auto's do suck, they aren't made for abuse. The 4.0 is a solid engine, but hte have problems with wearing out push rods and ticking. I have heard they are a PITA to work on. Truthfully, if you want reliablity, go with the 3.0 and stick to the 5spd. If you just want power and don't care, go for a 4.0

Also with the gas mileage, a 3.0 will get better MPG than a 4.0 if driven at the right RPM(3,200). The 3.0 likes high rpms, for both cruising, and accelerating.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the motor might be bulletproof but the POS automatic is far from it.

thats true for any RBV auto trans though, no matter what engine its backing....

 

[dranger21]

however, the 3.0 is a sedan motor and ford hasnt quite figured that out yet. as a result, the auto trans. 3.0 rangers are dogs due to bad gearing and early shift points. if you do get a 3.0, try to get a 5 speed.

Amen to that. I have a 99 3.0 auto and it is an absolute dog. Don't get me wrong I love my truck but it would be nice to have a little extra snot every now and then. I probably wouldnt buy another 3.0 but if I did it would definitely not be an auto. The original tranny went out at about 75,000 miles. I'm just hoping I dont need another one in another 75.

 

[ZMan]

screw em both, get the duratec. With gas as high as it is upper 20s in mileage is nice, and those engines are pretty peppy too.