Hi all.

I recently purchased a 1996 Ranger XLT with 54,000 miles. The person I bought it from was a lady that only drove it when she needed to haul things like furniture and such. It looks like it was maintained reasonably well. I was pretty lucky to find it and is probably a once in a lifetime deal. I really like it but my next one is going to be a 4x4.

It has a 4.0L V6 and I had read there were issues with this engine not getting oil distributed properly. There is a distinct tappet knock when I first start it.

Does anyone know how much of a problem this is and if there is anything that can be done to get better distribution.

Don't know if she did required maintenance but I recently changed the oil and ran some sea foam through the engine and intake. The Trans fluid looks clean but probably should be changed soon.

Also, I read in the owners manual that Ford will change the PCV valve free of charge at 60,000 miles. I am at about 58,500 right now. Do you think I can get them to change it in a 18 year old vehicle? It is after all original miles

Any advice or tips would be appreciated. The last Ford truck I owned was a 82 Courier I bought new and sold in 92. It had a 2.3L 4cyl and was easy to work on. I really miss that truck.

Thanks.

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Dang! That's awesome condition. I have that same knocking, not sure if its a big deal.

Knocking is always a big deal, you could have a rod about to break, my friends ranger with 90k and the 4.0 blew one last Sunday

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96 Ford Ranger 2.3 - Loads of mods
03 DSG Mustang GT 5 spd- CAI, Flowmaster cat back, Sequential tail lights, 70mm T.B. 265/305
1992 GMC C1500 4.3 Long Bed 91K

Welcome too FRF.. I would Seriously have a Tech Look into this Knock .. Did you have this Knock Before you used SeaFoam ?

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02 Edge 3.0L 4X4 , 4.10 Ls gears.. Mickey Thompson Baja Claws , American Racing Baja Rims Flow Master 40 .

Mine is just the timing chain, that's what I think.

Hey I'm new to the site, don't actually have my Ranger yet, trying to decide. At the moment it's between these two, Rangers are thin on the ground around here: http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sal...t-2005/6184061
and:
http://www.donedeal.ie/commercials-f...er-xlt/6224509

I'm liking the King cab or extended cab better looks wise, also I think the Ranger looks cleaner without the A bar and spots on the front. My missus would prefer the four door version, she doesn't like the rear seats in the king cab. Anyone any thoughts?

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2003 Ford Ranger FX4: 4.0L V6 | Auto | 4.10s | 265/75R16 BFG AT KO2 | Ion Alloy 174 | Pioneer radio | Alpine Speakers| 06 tails | Thunderbolt turn signal mirrors | Kobalt Toolbox | 22" LED lightbar | Blackout headlights | Headache Rack | 140K miles. DWB!
Build Thread <-- Clicky
March 2015 TOTM

2016 Ford Fusion SE. 1.5L EcoBoost. 6-speed Auto. White Platinum Tri-Coat Metallic. 18" 5 spoke black rims. Daily Driver.

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2000 Ranger Extd Cab XLT, 4X4 Off Road, 4.0L, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, 01 grille & lights swap.
69 Mustang, modified 5.0, & 5spd.(project)
99 Explorer Sport, 4.0 SOHC, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, PW, PL, PM, Cruise, Tilt. (Wife's DD)
05 F-150 2WD Regular Cab. ( My DD)

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From my experience, if it knocks when you first start it but goes away after a few seconds, than it's most likely the oil pumps performance has dropped. I would just replace it myself because I'm paranoid about knocking. Never had it happen to me but when it starts to I'm going to do a 302 conversion. I have a 3.0 in my ranger right now and I have replaced the oil pump already. Thought it went out but the cam sensor that replaced the distributor was the actual problem. There is a little role pin at the bottom of it that turns the oil pump but I was still able to drive it down the street and back after I saw my gage and it didn't do any damage.