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  #1  
Old 03-06-2017, 07:25 PM
Jumpy Jumpy is offline
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Default 3.0 vs. 4.0

Ok so I'm new to the ranger seen, I got my ranger with what I was told to have minor engine problems, well turns out the engine is locked up. I have gotten it loose enough to get torque converter bolts off and the engine is awaiting pulling. I bought a Taurus engine to drop in it and I just need to swap intake exhaust oil pan and oil pickup. I'm wanting to know from the group of ranger guys what is truly shit and what is decent. I'm putting back original 3.0 and have been told they are good engines, and they are by far the worst engine Ford ever made. I at one time though with them being the worst to just drop a 4.0 in it because they are the best.... and well the worst engine ever made. I would like to see if we can settle the score with the 3.0 and 4.0? What engine is the clear winner? Again I'm dropping the 3.0 back in to save headache. Or am I going ass 9 just to have the same issues down the road? But if this engine goes it's going carb 357 Windsor with c4 trans.


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  #2  
Old 03-06-2017, 07:52 PM
Kealel Kealel is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

The 3.0 is the most solid engine between the 2 (others may disagree) so if you don't mind being underpowered you can swap it in and not have any worries until your cam synchro starts chirping. Then swap it out and be good for another 100k miles.

However, if you're doing an engine swap, I'd say go V8 and put a 5.0 in. More power and its still a reliable engine.
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The only reason it's worn out junk is because you've gone 70k miles without changing the oil.
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  #3  
Old 03-06-2017, 08:55 PM
Chevy_Country Chevy_Country is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

I disagree respectfully of course, strictly from past experiences, I've never known anyone to have good luck with the 3.0 but never to be original owners of the trucks either, so maybe you could chock it up to previous owners abusing the engine.. but, like myself, I've never known anyone to have BAD luck with the 4.0, again, maybe they were just beaten on less.

New England drivers are notoriously rough drivers, tend to gun it off stop signs and the green lights, maybe he larger 4.0 required less abuse to satisfy previous owners need for speed..

given he choice between the two, I'd go with the solid 4.0 from the years 04+, great trucks, mine for example has 190, a buddy (the guy who turned me into looking at he rangers and ultimately the reason I bought one) just dumped his with 230k+ on he odo p, my uncle about 2 years ago scrapped his exploder with the 4.0 with around the same mileage (230) me my buddy and my uncle are ridiculously good to our vehicles


Either way, domestic vehicles are like our women, the better you are to her, the better she is to you.


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  #4  
Old 03-06-2017, 09:13 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

Wont be the fastest thing in the world if thats what your after but point that bitch up a hill with the right tire combo for the gears... and less dents in the wallet with twice the MPG and more stable fuel costs.

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/1...r-diesel-swap/

"Once Garrett got his little Ranger running, it exceeded all his expectations. The truck gets 25 to 26 mpg during city/freeway driving, and with 208 hp, the diesel is more powerful at the rear tires than the original V-6 was at the flywheel. Torque isn’t even a contest, as the Ranger now has 487 lb-ft, compared to the gas engine’s rating of 238 lb-ft."


Stock 4BT


SOURCE: http://www.cumminshub.com/4bt.html
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  #5  
Old 03-06-2017, 09:34 PM
Jumpy Jumpy is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

Nice! I'm just tryin to save money not looking for super powerful just something that will get out of its own way if need be and haul my ass to the lake river woods or wherever nature calls me. She ain the prettiest thing but as long as she gets the job done and ain't too needy I'll be happy.


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  #6  
Old 03-06-2017, 09:38 PM
Evan_P Evan_P is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

It all comes down to how well it has been maintained. I see Rangers with with any engine make it to 250k with no problem at work. But I also see ones that need major engine work at 100k because they were neglected. Yes there are cases where they were taken care of just as they were supposed to be but had issues prematurely due to parts going bad long before they should have. On general however, if you take care of it it will take care of you. I say stick the 3.0 in it as it is the easiest and fastest swap. Then keep on top pf maintenance.
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  #7  
Old 03-06-2017, 10:39 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0



And just extras..

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...t+Ranger+Swaps

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Originally Posted by Evan_P View Post
It all comes down to how well it has been maintained. I see Rangers with with any engine make it to 250k with no problem at work. But I also see ones that need major engine work at 100k because they were neglected. Yes there are cases where they were taken care of just as they were supposed to be but had issues prematurely due to parts going bad long before they should have. On general however, if you take care of it it will take care of you. I say stick the 3.0 in it as it is the easiest and fastest swap. Then keep on top pf maintenance.
True,

My 93 4.0L is knocking on 338600 miles now; Original engine/Trans, its on its second clutch now (first one at 144k), I've only had to do brakes, Lower I/M gasket, and well I think Ive posted my 70 yards of near 3ft of water crossings enough now.. lol still going strong.
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  #8  
Old 03-06-2017, 11:17 PM
Fasttrackranger Fasttrackranger is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

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Originally Posted by Chevy_Country View Post
...my uncle about 2 years ago scrapped his exploder with the 4.0 with around the same mileage (230) me my buddy and my uncle are ridiculously good to our vehicles


Either way, domestic vehicles are like our women, the better you are to her, the better she is to you.


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I would say the ohv 4.0 is more reliable than the 3.0 also but it comes down to how you treat it. Oil being contaminated can ruin lifters and rod bearings. My 03 4.0 sohc has 270,k miles i havent changed the oil in 70k miles at this point i have saved enough money to rebuild it from what i would have spent on oil changes. Only 1 3.0 has come through my shop and not needed new seats. Only 1 4.0 has come through and not had cracked heads.

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  #9  
Old 03-07-2017, 06:23 AM
ford4thot ford4thot is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

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i havent changed the oil in 70k miles
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  #10  
Old 03-07-2017, 07:29 AM
DangerRanger37 DangerRanger37 is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chevy_Country View Post
I disagree respectfully of course, strictly from past experiences, I've never known anyone to have good luck with the 3.0 but never to be original owners of the trucks either, so maybe you could chock it up to previous owners abusing the engine.. but, like myself, I've never known anyone to have BAD luck with the 4.0, again, maybe they were just beaten on less.

New England drivers are notoriously rough drivers, tend to gun it off stop signs and the green lights, maybe he larger 4.0 required less abuse to satisfy previous owners need for speed..

given he choice between the two, I'd go with the solid 4.0 from the years 04+, great trucks, mine for example has 190, a buddy (the guy who turned me into looking at he rangers and ultimately the reason I bought one) just dumped his with 230k+ on he odo p, my uncle about 2 years ago scrapped his exploder with the 4.0 with around the same mileage (230) me my buddy and my uncle are ridiculously good to our vehicles


Either way, domestic vehicles are like our women, the better you are to her, the better she is to you.


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Another Rhode Island guy?

4.0 OHV all the way. FTW
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  #11  
Old 03-07-2017, 07:45 AM
Chevy_Country Chevy_Country is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

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Originally Posted by DangerRanger37 View Post
Another Rhode Island guy?

4.0 OHV all the way. FTW
THAT'S RIGHT, haven't needed 4x4 yet, except for play, my chevy cruze does alright in the snow but after the couple storms last year I had had it and bought this, wasn't buying any other engine with it lol

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  #12  
Old 03-07-2017, 07:51 AM
DangerRanger37 DangerRanger37 is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

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Originally Posted by Chevy_Country View Post
THAT'S RIGHT, haven't needed 4x4 yet, except for play, my chevy cruze does alright in the snow but after the couple storms last year I had had it and bought this, wasn't buying any other engine with it lol

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My 2wd open diff does not do so good at all. Been looking for a 4.10 L/S for a while now with no luck. Very happy with the motor in the truck, just not the traction situation at all.
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  #13  
Old 03-07-2017, 08:00 AM
Chevy_Country Chevy_Country is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

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Originally Posted by DangerRanger37 View Post
My 2wd open diff does not do so good at all. Been looking for a 4.10 L/S for a while now with no luck. Very happy with the motor in the truck, just not the traction situation at all.
I put cooper's at3 on it for 400 from Benny's when I got it, day n night difference

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  #14  
Old 03-07-2017, 08:32 AM
DangerRanger37 DangerRanger37 is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

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Originally Posted by Chevy_Country View Post
I put cooper's at3 on it for 400 from Benny's when I got it, day n night difference

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What size? I'm running mastercraft courser AT2's in 235/75/15. I want to go to a 31x10.5x15 but gotta get some gears first. And while I'm at it why not go for true 2wd
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  #15  
Old 03-07-2017, 08:53 AM
Fasttrackranger Fasttrackranger is offline
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Default Re: 3.0 vs. 4.0

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Im an engine machinist so i dont change oil, i change engines. If i changed every 5000 mi with synthetic id have spent over $400 which is my cost on a rebuild kit. Not putting $$$ into an engine w/ 270k miles.

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