3.0 Liter V-6 Ranger

[05HD350]

I'm looking at buying a 98 ranger with the 3.0 v-6 does anybody know anything good or bad about this truck/motor. Its 4X4 and I just want it for a beater truck. Has 126000 and "slight lifter tap when cold or under load" per seller.

[DAYTONA392005]

Originally Posted by 05HD350

I'm looking at buying a 98 ranger with the 3.0 v-6 does anybody know anything good or bad about this truck/motor. Its 4X4 and I just want it for a beater truck. Has 126000 and "slight lifter tap when cold or under load" per seller.

Be ready to replace the motor soon if the lifter is "tapping".

[05HD350]

I don't remember hearing much good about that motor. I found a few other things on the web that say stay away from the 3.0. Thanks again

[DAYTONA392005]

Originally Posted by 05HD350

I don't remember hearing much good about that motor. I found a few other things on the web that say stay away from the 3.0. Thanks again

I used to work at an engine shop.That was the ONLY engine that ever came in that the head on the passenger side came off in two pieces.That being said....it was still running.

[95dieselsmoke]

I myself have a 2003 with a 4.0 in it. And I love it. Pretty good power for a little truck. Check out "therangerstation.org" lots of info on there.

[Peppy]

3.0liters are good motors it's the 2.9 that you wan't to steer clear of(not a big deal as they stopped making them in the early 90's)

[nicho]

3.0 V6 on a ranger, extended cab short bed.

80,000 miles.

1 idler pulley.
Oil Changes every 6,000-7,000 miles, if we're honest.
1 coolant flush.
No brakes (And these are towing miles).
No leaks.
No squeaks.
No Rattles.

'Nuff said.

[JohnO]

Also had a 4.0, 2002 model. Great little truck, strong engine, but it drank gas far out of porportion to the size of the truck. To tell the truth, my F350 gets better mileage on the highway.

[ExtremeFord4x4]

I had a 96 ranger 3.0 with 150k. No problems at all. Still on the road to this day.

[mrnecsteve]

Originally Posted by Peppy

3.0liters are good motors it's the 2.9 that you wan't to steer clear of(not a big deal as they stopped making them in the early 90's)

I had a 2.9 . It was great! At 187,000 miles/10 years a lifter broke internally.No other issues on the engine..the heater core was a pain in the butt tho...one every 3 years until i decided to solder it myself.