So I found a third gen ranger 4.0 SOHC on FB marketplace for $600. It's a black, got 4x4, extended cab, bed lined already and has a 5" body lift on 33's. BUT the big caviot is that it needs a head gasket and/or heads too. I'm really really really tempted to get it just because I've wanted one for so long but those heads are really really scaring me. I want to get it and sell my current car I have and make the ranger a daily/fun toy too. I'm also going to college in 4 months. If I get it, it would be a summer project and I hope I'd be able to get it done in time to take it to college. I'm just really not sure, that's my situation. What's your suggestion?

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Or just OHV is what I meant.

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It's a 600 dollar truck that someone has modified, abused and has a bad motor. Nothing about that screams daily driver material...

If you want a project sure, but sounds like an absolutely awful idea if you need a daily driver.

As an old man I'll give you this advice - college is a huge investment in time and money, focus on that and save car projects for later. It'll just become a burden you don't want. If you must have a car get something reliable and efficient that's bone stock, or if possible avoid the money and time costs of having a car at all.

I have a focus rn but I was thinking about buying the truck and once I get it fully fixed I'd drive that to college. Maybe possibly make the focus a track/autocross car. I'm just still thinking about options but like I said. It's really really really tempting

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Thank you for the advice sir. It's greatly appreciated!

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Because of the timing chain setup on the SOHC, I would see if I can get an engine from a 2010 or 2011 from the junk yard and just swap engines. Why the 2010 or 2011 engine? There was a bit of a timing chain issue in the years before that, that were fixed by 2010.


2010 or 2011 or not, I would just get a junk yard engine and do the swap so as to avoid the special tools needed for the timing chains and you would need to pull the engine anyway to do the job.

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Sgtsandman's Work in Progress
2011 Ranger XLT, 4X4, 4 door Super Cab. 4.0L, 5 Speed M50D-R1HD, 3.73:1, 8.8" open differential, Jason Pace cap
2019 Ford Ranger STX FX4, Super Crew, 2.3L Ecoboost, 10 speed automatic, 3.73:1 with rear locker, Leer 100XR cap

The timing chain issue was fixed at the factory by 2005.