hey guys i am an avid toyota guy but i am ready to make the switch to the ranger status. i am lookin to buy one and i want to buy a ranger and i wanna know what the common problems are? my buddy said to by a 4.0l v6 and a 5 speed. i just dont want to buy something that is known for commonly blowing head gaskets or problems. i know toyotas with the 3.0's are notorious for blowing head gaskets and they are garbage. please help me out

If you want good fuel economy and reliability the 2.3 with a 5 speed is the way to go in my opinion. Theres not much power to be had here though. As long as you change the oil the body will rust down to a pile of dust before the engine dies....

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92 Ranger XLT 2.3L I4 w/ 5 speed manual. Bone Stock, looking to mod when funds allow.

Well I am going to eventually prerunner it out so I want a little power but mainly looking for reliability

All the engine options are reliable. Depending on what year you get, the 4.0s have problems with timing chains rattling (01-03 IIRC), and the 3.0s have issues with the cam sensor going out, water pump leaking and valve covers leaking. If you get an 01 or newer 2.3, they have as much power as the 3.0, but can get 30 mpg.

Basically, I guess if you want to go bigger than 33" tires or you just want a ton of power, get the 4.0, otherwise I'd say get the newer DOHC 2.3.

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If you want to Prerunner it, I would get something with TTB suspension. Cheaper to get the suspensions for those. Anything from 83-97.

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Sold:2004 XLT 4x2 Ext. Cab. 3.0 Mods: 3" spindle, AAL, shackle, 32x11.5 on 15x8s, billet grille, clear corners, flow 40 dumped, line-x, CB/PA, traction bars, lil sound system, auto up down windows
Sold:2005 XLT 4x4 Ext. Cab. 4.0 Mods: ProComp lights w/ HID swap on tabs, 32x11.5 on 15x8s, CB/PA, black out heads/corners, lil sound system, cranked t-bars, flow 40 dumped, line-x, shell, bed rug, 06+ tails, metal tail gate handle since plastic one shattered, OHC, Mustang Dome.

Ya I want a 93-97 but trying to decide what drivetrain

Get the 4.0, both the 3.0 and 4.0 OHV are built strong and have been shown to last a long long time, bet the same MPG pretty much, but the 4.0 is quicker...and the manual or automatic is up to you...both are solid.

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Sold:2004 XLT 4x2 Ext. Cab. 3.0 Mods: 3" spindle, AAL, shackle, 32x11.5 on 15x8s, billet grille, clear corners, flow 40 dumped, line-x, CB/PA, traction bars, lil sound system, auto up down windows
Sold:2005 XLT 4x4 Ext. Cab. 4.0 Mods: ProComp lights w/ HID swap on tabs, 32x11.5 on 15x8s, CB/PA, black out heads/corners, lil sound system, cranked t-bars, flow 40 dumped, line-x, shell, bed rug, 06+ tails, metal tail gate handle since plastic one shattered, OHC, Mustang Dome.

I have the 3.0 and love it, if I was had the chance, I would have gotten the 4.0, but the 3.0 has never done me wrong, at 235K

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2001 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 V6 Automatic.
1995 Acura Integra LS
PNW Crew!
http://www.facebook.com/aaron.ariens

OK I'm just having a hard time finding that combo cause everything in Washington is 4x4

Oh man! YOUR IN WASHINGTON! I had no idea!


Where at?

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2001 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 V6 Automatic.
1995 Acura Integra LS
PNW Crew!
http://www.facebook.com/aaron.ariens

Definately a good choice. You might look in the Portland area, or Seattle area, there are more 2wd's there. Also check the auctions, there are a ton of these trucks out there that were used as service trucks, if you get one that DOT or the state or a city/county municipal had, it probably has seen some hard use but it also will have the maintenance well cared for in most cases.

I have the auto, they are the weak tranny in these year trucks, the manual is stronger but not a whole ton. I have a shift solenoid going out in mine, also they are prone to having the converter clutch go out so I am told. I have not experienced that myself. I have the 4.0 but I also inherited my truck from Grandpa with low miles, this truck is a tank. I recommend this engine hands down, or the 2.3 because the engine design has been around for many many years, the 3.0 is a puker, I almost bought a 93, no balls. Reliable but no go in my opinion. I live in Western Washington but go to school in North Central Montana, it has been a great truck to get me back and forth and do whatever I have called upon it to do. Also the auto hubs for four wheel drives in these years are horrible, you might want to swap them for manuals. This is just my 2 cents

Aaron has the later model 3.0 that isn't much different than the year I have, I don't know that much about them but take care of them they will last, again I'd go 4.0 if you want the v6. I also get around 16-23 mpg depending on how you drive.

On a a side note welcome to the FRF! And good luck with the decision. These trucks are wonderful, and really do last a long time as long as you take care of them. But maintenance is key on any vehicle.

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97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!

I live in Vancouver

I think there was a set of years that had gasket issues... I want to say stick to '01 or newer but I don't know what years or the details so bump and hopefully someone who knows more will catch this....

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2008 XLT 4x4 - GRABBER ORANGE - 4.0 V6 - 5 spd
PNW CREW

So they do make 93-97 2wd with 4.0 and five speed right cause I'm having a hard time finding one

I have the 3.0 but in my opinion if you want a lot of power buy the 4.0. I havnt had any problems with my ranger at all since the day that i got it!

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Tony Bustos