Hi,

Just a quick intro, have a 1996 Ranger supercab XLE bought new by my former girlfriend. Never abused, mostly used as daily transportation, now has just over 100K miles. Wasn't used at all for about 5 years when it wouldn't pass smog here in San Diego, but got that straightened out. Oh, 4.0 liter engine with automatic transmission.

Now have a medium sized boat/runabout and while the engine seems to have no problem pulling it, I noticed burning smell after short hill. Trans fluid is BROWN. Ugh. Didn't check before towing at all, so don't know for sure that the towing caused it but think it's likely.

"Heard" the trans isn't all that good and problems around this mileage are common. I'm surprised Ford didn't put a better(?)/heavier-duty automatic behind the 4 liter. Anyway, I plan to pull the pan, change fluid/filter, and put on a pan with drain, or add a drain to this pan. Also considering one of the many fluid swaps on youtube via transmission lines. If I do that, should I do it before or after the pan drop/filter change?

Lastly, I think adding an external oil cooler (either with the radiator cooler or just separate), with temp actuated fans. Any suggestions on what/where to get such a unit. Ideally that will be fairly easy to mount.

Oops, finally, if this isn't the right place to post this (probably), which forum should I post it in, tech, transmission, ??? Thanks.

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My Build Pg. Threads
+ 93' Ranger Overlanding Build
+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
+ 12° North Industries ~ I Support

Richard, welcome to FRF.

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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)

Mike, your gentlemen & scholar like professionalism in greetings is always on par...

lol

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_______________________

My Build Pg. Threads
+ 93' Ranger Overlanding Build
+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
+ 12° North Industries ~ I Support

Thank you James, I try the polite route first.

__________________
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)