Questions about rangers

I am looking to buy a 94-99 4x4 extended cab ranger. I was wondering if there are any problems that are common on these trucks and how i could spot them before i bought the truck. I was also wondering if the 3.0L is better than the 4.0L or if it was the other way around. And my last question is which tranny is better, the manual or automatic?
Thanks for your help

I am looking to buy a 94-99 4x4 extended cab ranger. I was wondering if there are any problems that are common on these trucks and how i could spot them before i bought the truck. I was also wondering if the 3.0L is better than the 4.0L or if it was the other way around. And my last question is which tranny is better, the manual or automatic?
Thanks for your help

The later 3.0Ls had an issue with the oil pan gasket working it's way out and leaking.

97?-98+ 4.0L SOHC have a timing chain rattle. There's a TSB about it now, definately something to look into if it's a SOHC 4.0L.

The term 3.slow is not a rumor. :) They're just not geared for getting anywhere in a hurry. They seem to be a good running engine for the most part though. The 4.0L is definately perferred over the 3.0L.

Just check over stuff, transmission fluid, oil, etc.. Should give you a general idea if the truck was taken care of or not. Listen for any minor rattles/tapping and it would be a good idea to have someone drive behind you if you test drive it and to look for anything out of the ordinary.

I don't hear of too many transmission going out, except for the older A4LD automatic. It's all about preference I suppose, though the manuals seem to be the least trouble in any truck or car.

Pete

I am looking to buy a 94-99 4x4 extended cab ranger. I was wondering if there are any problems that are common on these trucks and how i could spot them before i bought the truck. I was also wondering if the 3.0L is better than the 4.0L or if it was the other way around. And my last question is which tranny is better, the manual or automatic?
Thanks for your help


depends on what you are planning to use the truck for, if you plan on pulling any trailers, i would either install aftermarket tranny cooler for automatic, or get a manual, and the 4.0 is a must.

i have a 90 ranger 4.0 auto, and ive pulled lots of stuff with no problems.

but really depends on what your gonna do with it, and where u live, if lots of city driving, manual is pain in the rear,

I have a 1991 with a 3.0 auto, I towed a volkswagon bus from Seattle to Phoenix this last fall and didnt have any power problems.

I'm pretty sure that most all the 4X4's were 4.0's.

I had a ranger with the 4.0 (1995) and then bought a 3.0 in 2004. Around town the 3.0 is just fine. I don't know if I can tell much difference from the old 4.0. But get out on the highway there is a world of difference. The 4.0 was good up to highway speeds. Over 65 the 3.0 feels strained. It runs about 10% faster than the 4.0, so it may just be the gearing. The 3.0 does get about 2-3 more miles to the gallon, both in town and on the highway.