Want to buy V6 truck need opinions

[darkspork]

Hey everybody. I'm looking into buying my second truck to replace my 4 banger wagon. My first truck was a 1992 S10 with the 4.3L engine and it had over 225,000 miles on it by the time I decided I shouldn't drive it anymore (moved to the snow, it was 2x4). Anyhow, that's irrelevant. I am heavily considering getting a V6 truck with 4x4 and on my short list is (in no particular order):
1. Chevy 1500 4.3L 5 speed 4x4 (2000 or newer)
2. Ford Ranger 4.0L 5 speed 4x4 (2003 or newer)
3. Dodge Dakota 3.7L 6 speed 4x4 (2006 or newer)
4. Nissan Frontier (?) V6 6 speed 4x4 (2006 or newer)

There's a few others but for what I want it for it doesn't seem to practical. I'm looking to be able to move furniture (dressers, couches, etc. not at the same time). I'll also possibly be pulling a 5x8 trailer (with electric brakes) 1700 miles full of furniture, I'm guessing it would weigh 3000 lbs at the most and I may occasionally tow a snowmobile once or twice a year. I'm looking to be able to get 20mpg on the highways going 70mph unloaded. I guess my question is can the 4.0L ranger achieve 20mpg unloaded and can it pull a loaded 3000lb trailer 1700 miles?

Sorry for the long post. I'm really interested in the Ranger because it seems like best bang for the buck. Thanks and cheers!

 

[cr_the_machinist]

This thread would be better off in the general discussion section but if you want my opinion I'd go with the Ranger (kinda biased putting this in an all ford product forum). I've had nothing put good luck with mine after I got a few kinks ironed out but mines a '99 with an ohv 4.0 not the SOHC. If you can find one with the 4.10 lsd rear you'll be set.

If you are doing a lot of highway miles you could see 20mpg. I drive all country and city road and I see about 17 average.

 

[WNY964x4]

yea , i had a 96 with the ohv 4.0 and a 5 speed , i also had warn lockouts , in the summer , on stock tires , with the hubs unlocked , doing 70mph on the NYS Thruway with nothing in the bed , i got a best of about 20.5-21 , and it all depends on your gear ratio too

and i once towed a 17 foot car hauler with an 83 chevy fullsize truck on it , total weight of truck and trailer arounf 6000 pounds , 60mph and the truck did just fine

 

[darkspork]

I just listed the other vehicles so maybe I can get some pros and cons. I posted in a ford forum because I wanted to know what you all like about the ranger and to get recommendations for a good 4.0L 5sp 4x4 setup. How can I tell if it has the 4.10 lsd rear?

 

[rickcdewitt]

door sticker and diff tag

 

[darkspork]

door sticker and diff tag

Is there any way I can tell before actually going to see the vehicle like perhaps something in the VIN?

 

[darkspork]

Another thing:
Is the Ranger's lack of weight a concern in control while pulling?

 

[Guy]

My rig is a 94 extended cab, 4.0 with a 5-speed and 3.73 ls rear end, turning 31x10.5's
I pull a 3000lb travel trailer and it does really well. Just make sure you have your trailer's weight distributed evenly, and you won't have a problem. I have a frame mounted hitch, brake controller, etc. and use a sway control system. When Im towing, I see about 13 mpg- thats thats in 4th, at about 2400 rpm and 60mph. She'll go faster but your MPG will suffer (remember Im pulling a boxy, heavy, wood-framed travel trailer) Unloaded with no trailer Its not uncommon to see 21 mpg on highway trips. Commuting to work I figure on 17-18 depending on my lead foot.
In summary, a 4.0 ranger is REALLY hard to beat if you want a good truck that does everything farily well. Having said that, though; as I have got older (started working less, and spending more time with the fam.) I am getting into a little more "mission specific" rigs. I have a '93 Geo Metro (43 MPG, and room for a car-seat for the kid) for commuting to work and grocery-getting, and am looking at a 351 V8, 1/2 ton for towing the new travel trailer (6000lbs is a little much for the Ranger). Now, having said that; would I buy another 4.0 ranger....? Hell yes, in a heartbeat.

 

[koda6966]

Those trucks aren't even in the same class. Putting a Dakota and a Ranger together are one thing, but a Ranger and a Chevy 1500?

 

[darkspork]

Those trucks aren't even in the same class. Putting a Dakota and a Ranger together are one thing, but a Ranger and a Chevy 1500?

Well unfortunately Chevrolet didn't make the 4.3L available in anything smaller than the 1500 after the S10/Jimmy was discontinued. I really like that engine. I lumped it together because horsepower is similar to the Ford 4.0 and 4.3L only has maybe an extra 25 ft/lbs of torque plus the 1500 doesn't weight much more.