Unanticipated performance improvement

[mikkelstuff]

I replaced the 3.0L in my 2002 4WD Ranger XLT last summer following a blown head gasket at some 166,000 miles. It would have cost half the price of an engine just to replace the head gasket and timing chain, so went with a Jasper rebuilt engine.

This had been my Dad's truck which I inherited after his passing in 2015. From the first, I found this 3.0L to be a real dog. Oh it would run 80 mph all day long. It just took a while to get up to speed so entering the interstate was a challenge.

So now, with a newly rebuilt 3.0L, I find the performance much improved. This truck will actually accelerate!

This makes me wonder if this original engine might have had head gasket leakage or even a cracked head all along. None the less, it is pleasing to have more power with this 3.0L.

 

[pentode]

I'm on record here saying this a few times - I should start the Vulcan fan club - but the 3.0 is underrated. Sure, you need to wind it up to 4 grand if you really want to move but just gives you a bit of V6 Mustang thrill. Anyway, the redline is at least 4500.

If it got 30MPG I'd be making marriage plans.

 

[don4331]

4500? That's not even power peak, redline is the other side of 6k.

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

I have to rev the crap out of my 2.3L... Maybe that's just a Ranger thing?

 

[Jim Oaks]

The 3.0L is actually underrated and a really reliable engine.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yeah, the 3.0 is a rev-happy motor. Redline is over 6k. I found mine pulled hard from like 2,800 to about 5k, so with a manual I just got it up into those numbers and kept it there until I was cruising.

I’d like to rebuild that truck and stick a turbo or two on, I think it would respond well

 

[19Walt93]

I liked the 3.0 Vulcan in Taurus/ Sables and even more when they landed in Tempos and early Probes but think the torque curve isn't suited to trucks. When I decided to order a new 04 Ranger I planned to get a 3.0 because I never liked the Rube Goldberg engineered 4.0 SOHC. I drove a regular cab 4x4 Ranger with a 3.0, 5 speed, and 4.10 gears during lunch one day. I accelerated up the interstate ramp and shifted into 5th at about 62 mph just as I crested the hill- and immediately had to shift back into 4th. I ordered the 4.0. I think a 3.0 in a 2wd might work OK but I wanted and needed a 4x4.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I ran a Taurus 3.0 in front of an M5OD in a 99 Rwd Ranger and it was fantastic. Good power band and decent on gas.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yeah, I would take one over a SOHC for sure.

Never have driven one though.

 

[Ranger850]

I drove my 3.0 Ranger for a few years before I learned how to really drive it. I also thought it was a dog with no guts. Once I learned that it was a high revving engine, I let it sing. With the solid axle rear end, it pulled my trailer better than the 4.0 Explorer Sport trac I had during the same time.

 

[RobWigglezz]

I've had the 2.5l in my 99', 2.3l in my 01, and now a 3.0l in my 00', all with the 5spd M5OD. Honestly all 3 felt very similar on the highway, but the 3.0l has a little more grunt if you give it some gas at a lower rpm in whatever gear you're in. The 3.0l is my current favorite.

Sure the timing cover was a pain, but I got it done. And yea you need to remove the exhaust to drop the Trans for a clutch job, but I'll manage.