I am starting to look for a replacement for my 93 Ranger who is getting very tired. I was wondering about what you folks think are the best 2K Rangers what to look for and what to avoid. I would like a 4.0, 4X4, standard bed and cab. Sick or Automatic but leaning more toward automatic. So far I have read that the Cologne 4.0 was problematic with it's timing chain tensioners.

Frame Rot under bed, Rot in doors, trans with ANY current issues


———————————
2004 ranger 4.0L edge

Thanks !How has the reliability been with your engine? I see you have an 04 Edge with the 4.0 which should be the SOC engine that I read was problematic. Rot is a given to look out for.

Some have timming chain issues, I’ve had a few 4.0s but with full syn oil changes every 3k miles i haven’t had those issues. Found mine at a auction with a bad alternator for $700 no rot. 158k. Needed shackles and shackle mounts, the alt and shocks (adjustable air in the rear)


———————————
2004 ranger 4.0L edge

Thanks for the info. Oil change sounds like my 93 5sp. Before I knew to change the fluid in it every 15K I smoked it at 60K. I did it 35K and then drove from North Carolina to Washington State in 1997 in the summer in OD most of the time. So I guess if I find one with more than 45K and it has had to be repaired, hopefully the new tensioners were improved and I always use synthetic oil ever 3K miles.

Penzoil full syn is what I’ve seen to burn the cleanest. I also did sea foam treatments when I got mine, it stopped some eng shaking issues I had, put it in oil/gas and intake.


———————————
2004 ranger 4.0L edge

i had an 03 4.0, plenty of power but piss poor MPG..

also good luck finding a reg cab 4.0

__________________
2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

What do you consider piss poor MPG?

I haven't really had bad MPGs... I have an 01 4.0 v6. Worst I've had so far is 10MPG, but that’s because it was like -50 out so I kept on warming up the engine, and it was only in town driving. Just recently, I have had 15 mpg in the warmer weather with a little bit of highway.

__________________
2001 Ranger XLT 2wd | 18" TSW Sonomas

My 07 2.3 supercab got 21 mpg overall so a 4.0 would be a bit below 18 mpg.
My 2014 F150 gets 18 and it's a 4x4.
If you want a Ranger that gets good fuel economy, try a 2.3L/manual Regular cab.

__________________

I'm not that worried about MPG. My 93 3.0 hovers around 16 in the winter and 18 in the summer. I am more concerned with reliability and horsepower. I'm looking for a 4X4 to deal with the snow we get in the winter and reliability because I don't like walking. I am thinking an 08-11 4.0 4X4 Ranger. Extended cab is OK. What was the last year of the pushrod 4.0?