I need your opnion please
 

I am a happy 4 cyl banger owner since 1989, no problems what so ever with both trucks I've owned , first 1989 sold it with 132k running like the day I got it with 32k, current a 1999 with 121k running like top both 5 speed .
after all these years driving the 4 banger I feel I am done , I need more power , I am looking at two trucks , first 2001 4.0l 4x4 auto extended cab 58k miles , has heavy rust undercarriage no rot , I can get it under 5k , second 2005 4.0L 4x4 5 speed extended cab 75k , both trucks from long time owners , second one clean with normal north east rust , I can get it for $7750.
Educate me on what to check or be aware of .
I am mechanically inclined .
I was reading the 4.0l have a timing chain guide issues !!!
On the other hand reviews regarding gas miles scary , how true is that ?
Thanks
Corban

Re: I need your opnion please
 

My suggestion is keep your current truck if it is in good shape.

For less or the same money you can pay someone to do a 5.0 swap for you and rent a car while your waiting.

I just think for the small amount of added power you will get buying another used truck with unknown issues is not worth the price.

Adding a 5.0 with some bolt on performance parts will certainly make you smile much more each day driving your truck than any stock v6.

If your set up and mechanically inclined to do the work yourself the money you save on labor could go into the engine trans and rear end if needed.

$7750 dollars plus tax, title and tag transfer would do a lot to speed up your current truck.

Re: I need your opnion please
 

I cant comment on the 4-cyl Rangers but I have owned a pair of 3.0L with Automatics and extended cabs, both got me around 13 mpg on average. I gave the 2003 Edge (my first one) to my Granddaughter and then had an accident in the replacement Ranger a 2004 3.0 that totaled it. Both of them have/had well over 100000+ miles each with no major mechanical concerns.
I like Rangers, they suit me fine for my around-the-town driving so I looked for a 3rd one. Found a 2011 4.0L Extended Cab at a local Dealer with 44000 miles and bought it.
I was concerned that the 4.0 would give me terrible mileage and present problems but I have to say, other than normal maintenance there have been no additional repairs needed or performed. Best of all, I was surprised to see my mileage increase to 16+ mpg avaerage and I have a heavy foot.
Have to say, I wouldnt be afraid of a 4.0.

Re: I need your opnion please
 

Keep what you have. The 2.5L is almost indestructible and the 4.0s are a crap shoot on timing chain tensioner issues. Because of the low mileage of both trucks you are looking at, I would be leery.

Re: I need your opnion please
 

Dealing with rust is a loosing battle. I would definitely stay away from the 2001 automatic with rust.

I get about 16-18 mpg with my 4.0 2wd 5 speed. I do have a heavy foot to enjoy my custom loud exhaust.

My opinion is put some money in that 2.5. I believe there are racing cams, intakes, and headders for it. That should land you close to the same $$ and power as a 4.0.

Re: I need your opnion please
 

Thank you all for the inputs .
crowdpleazer you are absolutely right about rust , you can't win .
I was nervous taking the move toward an upgrade and the inputs here came to the favor of my 2.5l which I love for its reliability .
The rust problem here is crazy , I should seal my frame if I decided to keep as rust getting to it .
My sister in CA her in-laws selling a like new 2005 3.0l with less than 36k garage kept meticulously maintained by the old man , unfortunately shipping ain't cheap , I hope the guy will work with me to make it happen as he is asking way above book value, but the truck like brand new , undercarriage still like the day it rolled off the assembly line .

Re: I need your opnion please
 

don't ship it, fly out, drive it back. Road trip! it will take a few days (or 5) but it will cost you a whole lot less money, even staying in hotels. I've been thinking of buying another saab, but any good ones are at least 1000 miles away, if not 2k.

Re: I need your opnion please
 

i have the same 99 2.5l with a 5 speed. i vote keep it! mine is at 170k miles, and its still in wonderful shape. i say spend a few hundred bucks on all the fluids and a nice tuneup & keep enjoying it!

Re: I need your opnion please
 

My truck needs nothing , whole front end from a to z OEM parts less than 9k miles ago , last week , timing belt , water pump, and tension pulley , new radiator, new battery, new alternator, 4 new tires , I am not sure if I am missing something .
Just looking for a change .
I am checking the 2005 4x4 five speed tomorrow.

Re: I need your opnion please
 

The 4.0 timing chain was pretty much resolved by 2005. I think the 3.0 still had a head/burnt exhaust valve issue in 2005. The 1999 2.5 is bulletproof.

I've owned a 99 2.5 2wd a 2004 3.0 2wd and a 2004 4.0 4wd. You can't beat the 4.0 4wd living in the northeast. I even took it out to Race Point a few weeks ago.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...eec6be4193.jpg

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

Re: I need your opnion please
 

FYI. I was in New Hampshire last week. I saw this 2005 Coma, Original owner, 4 cyl, 5 speed 77k, new frame. $11k
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a48872d08c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...127782e750.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0e51aee5d1.jpg
Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

Re: I need your opnion please
 

modelageek Thanks for the pic and input .
No more 4 cyl after driving the 2005 five speed today .
Owner an older gentleman , honest guy , truck has 74k good shape with no rust issues .
Owner mentioned an issue , he said some times when u put it in 4x4 won't go back in 4x2 unless u take a rubber mallet and tap on hub!!!!! ( got me worried )
I took truck on highway drives great until it reaches 64 to 70 very fast vibration ,It's like it is on vibrator lol which made me concern , would an off balance tires do that?
So I didn't do the deal telling himi like the truck but need to see what's the deal with these issues before I commit.
Truck got ton of power I fell in love with , it felt like my 325i convertible BMW.
Thoughts on issues please ?

Re: I need your opnion please
 

The front axle is live, meaning it's always turning even in 2wd. I'm not sure why banging on a hub would knock it out of 4wd. The 4wd connection is made,at the transfer case using The shift motor. The front hubs/bearings do fail and could cause the vibration. Out of balance tires cause the steering wheel to vibrate.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

Re: I need your opnion please
 

Thanks for the info , I am concerned about this 4x4 stuck issue , I was reading some people couldn't get it out of the 4x4 low range end up stock miles away from homes as u can't drive it in low range , mmmm I don't know what to do now , I like the truck but in the same time I need no headache .

Re: I need your opnion please
 

+1 to modelageek's post. Whatever he's resolving by tapping on the hub, it shouldn't be 4wd being stuck. The axle shafts are locked in full time on the newer Rangers, no hub to disconnect at all.