Upgrade my 99 4L for a 2003 3L?

[Just Say Mo]

My 99 4L has been a GREAT truck. 215,000 on it now. Seats are showing wear enough that I'd like to replace them and I've been spending more $ on things like shocks (don't by the Schwab "Lifetime" shocks. They didn't even outlast the tires...) and regular maintained items. I suspect there are some bigger items ahead.

Found a 2003 with less than 100,000 on it in great condition. It's a manual transmission, 3L. It doesn't have a towing package on it which is something I'd want as I do tow occasionally. Not sure how much that upgrade would cost or what the 3L is capable of. The big appeal is the lower mileage and the excellent condition. Don't know anything about the 3L engine or the manual trans. I know my 4L and auto trans has made it without a hiccup for 215K with only regular maintenance.

So would I be upgrading getting a younger truck with a lot less miles?

 

[adsm08]

I thought you said upgrade.

 

[stmitch]

The 3.0 has less power and torque than the 4.0, BUT, the auto trans behind your 4.0 sucks balls by robbing power and fuel economy. The manuals also have far, far better track records of longevity. I'd say most people wouldn't notice much difference between a 3.0/manual combo And a 4.0/auto. Especially if it comes in a lighter truck configuration, and/or has better gearing.

 

[Dirtman]

Can I buy some drugs from you?

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

Drop a 302 in that baby and you’ll be good as new! Lol

 

[Dirtman]

The 3.0 manual has a way lower tow rating than the 4.0 auto. Either one will tow your lawn mower but if you frequently tow heavier trailers the 3.0 manual is not going to cut it.

 

[stmitch]

The 3.0 manual has a way lower tow rating than the 4.0 auto. Either one will tow your lawn mower but if you frequently tow heavier trailers the 3.0 manual is not going to cut it.

The big contributors to tow ratings are cooling, gearing, and vehicle weight. Wheelbase matters a little as well.
Regardless of the engine, the auto trans were always rated to tow more than the manuals in the same body because they had additional cooling.
4wd adds weight that can't be offset, so it lowers tow rating. Extended cabs are rated lower than regular cabs for the same reason. Regular cab long beds have the highest ratings as they have the lightest cab with the longest wheelbase.
Page 4 here lists the various tow ratings for Rangers in 99:

https://www.trailerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Trailer-Life-Towing-Guide-1999.pdf

It wouldn't surprise me if a 3.0/manual/2wd in a regular cab Longbed chassis had similar real world performance to a 4.0 OHV/auto/4wd in an extended cab chassis. Especially after a radiator upgrade for the 3.0 truck (5.0 explorer rads are twice the thickness and drop right in.)