What truck to get next?

[hydrogen18]

I owned a Ford Bronco II back when I was 16. If it weren't for the horrendous gas mileage, shit engine, and unreliable transmission it would have been an awesome vehicle. I've been driving a F150 Lariat for quite some time. Last friday, a drunk rear ended me hard enough to bend the frame then sped off. With 233k on the odometer I think it it is time to retire it.

Ideally, I'd like to go buy new Tacoma 4x4. But I don't really have the ability to do that. I'm leaning towards a 4x4 ranger. I want one with a 4.0L motor. My main concerns are whether the automatic transmissions are still garbage and whether the situation with the 4x4 switching has gotten any better. My other thought is will I be giving up much towing capacity by getting a ranger instead of an f150? On occasion I have towed up to 6000 lbs.

 

[adsm08]

Well, the transmissions have gotten a lot better. the 4R and 5R autos and the M5OD 5-speed are all much better than the transmissions that were in them 25 years ago.

The electronic 4x4 is better, but still has it's issues. Most guys prefer manual shift 4x4.

As to towing, the 4.0 Ranger will tow quite a bit. I don't know that I'd try 6000 lbs, but they are stout little engines, easily towing another Ranger on a flatbed trailer, and still able to pass an unloaded 2.9 Ranger on a hill.

 

[Hopman]

Ideally, I'd like to go buy new Tacoma 4x4.

Okay, you lost what little cred you had by starting off with that.

 

[Boghog1]

if you tow 6k I would skip the ranger or any compact truck for that matter and get another F150

 

[Hopman]

if you tow 6k I would skip the ranger or any compact truck for that matter and get another F150

He's towing 6K? Naw. He needs a crew cab, long bed F-350 with a POWERSTROKE!!!!

F-150's are only good for towing up to 5,999 lbs.

 

[TheOne]

as soon as i saw tacoma im like "here goes this isnt $%&^ tacomastation"

LOL

and diesel or broke!

 

[02RangerXLT]

Get a manual tranny. You'll get shit mileage with a 4.0 + auto... I get about 15... with my 3.0 + auto I got 20... Get a fullsize V8 or diesel.

 

[adsm08]

as soon as i saw tacoma im like "here goes this isnt $%&^ tacomastation"

LOL

and diesel or broke!

Got-dangit this isn't tacoma station... j/k dude.

Yeah, get a full size, powerstroke if you can afford it.

 

[59flatbedford]

well there is no reason to get a diesel to pull 6k. now pulling that load with a ranger might be iffy. i vote for an older f150 with a 300 straight six.

 

[bobbywalter]

if what you say about the b2 is true....dont get a 4.0 ranger....




























b2 in general get much better mpg. (stock for stock) of course the 2.8 was hit and miss, but the 2.9 were quite fine imo....staying stock mind you.

the 4.0 itself is superb in a b2 imo as well.

a sc ranger with 456 gears and d rated 265 16 tires and 4.0 will pull 6 k no sweat provided it is a well constructed trailer with a proper balanced load.


mpg will suck though.