Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
And one other thing to keep in mind: the 5th gen ranger is actually quite an old design. It was sold in Australia markets since 2011, although those have different engine and transmission options. But overall design is the same as the Aussie model, which has a good reputation for reliability there.
Avoid 2001-2002 4.0L SOHC trucks, ford used poor quality timing chain guides in those two years. They put in redesigned guides that were less prone to premature failure mid 2002 so either get the older 4.0L OHV found in 2000 and older trucks or get a 2003+ 4.0L SOHC
the only good sohc ranger motor is the limas imo, the 4.0 sohc makes okay power for the ranger though it is lazy for the size (52hp per liter vs. 62hp per liter with duratec 23). if the 4.0 got the duratec dohc treatment and flex fuel capability, it wouldve been much better
When Ford switched the 4.0 from OHV to SOHC, they used plastic in the timing chain guides that is notorious for becoming brittle and shattering. They switched the Ranger to SOHC in 2000 I believe, and the Explorer in 1997. This is an interference engine, so if a sprocket skips a tooth - BAM, engine trashed.
IMO the Aussie designed Thailand built Ranger is an OK vehicle, unless you get a plonker and there are a few apparently. Ford themselves are diabolical if you have problems and customer service is a joke. Ford have recently all but vanished from Australia getting rid of a fair chunk of their remaining research and development people.
Otherwise I have 75k miles on the 2.3l. I tow often with a lot of highway miles, and mountainous highways. Our most recent trip my husband was towing our 26' camper with the baby Duramax, and the Ranger had a 4 - wheeler in the bed with a Rzr900 on the trailer. I kept up fine on the hills and when passing, rarely saw over 4k RPMs.
I think the new Ranger is as good a choice as any in its segment. The current generation has a great reputation in other markets, and the 2.3 Ecoboost has been a very reliable engine for Ford so far, as has been the 10-speed transmission, which is overbuilt for these little trucks.
Ford tests to 150k miles of the 90 percentile consumer and realistically any modern engine given proper maintenance should easily make 200k miles. In my experience it's the electronic bits that start having issues long before the mechanical and ford seems to have a solid electrical reputation unlike jeep (from experience).
My justification for the ranger raptor vs a regular ranger and the previous generation was the overall look and feel, engine option, suspension and widened bed. When I priced out a lariat tremor it was going to end up around 53k for a 2023. The RR with beadlock capable wheels, spray in liner and upcharged paint color came to 60,050$.
The platform under the current Ford Ranger has been in production overseas for more than 10 years. Plenty of time to work out the worst kinks. The 10 speed, 10R80 transmission has been in service in F-150s, Raptors, Expedition, and Mustangs since 2017. It's was joint developed with GM, so they have been using it in their trucks that long, too.