My current truck got smashed a couple weeks ago so I'm looking to buy another truck. I wanna upgrade to a 4x4 and I was wondering what your thoughts were between the two motors. I have a tent trailer that I would like to pull with it and I was wondering if you thought that the 3.0L will be strong enough to pull it. I've talked to some people and they were saying that the 3.0L was a little gutless. I haven't test drove any yet so I'm just wondering what your thoughts were between the two. Thanks for the time!!!

 

I would get the 4.0L, more hp and more tq.

 

Wirelessly posted (Timberwolf)

^yup

 

To me the 3.0 was sluggish and that was without a load. My 4.0 has hauled alot of things and the pickup was still there when i needed it

 

For just a mere 1 or 2 MPG's difference you might as well get the 4.0. More power is always a good thing.

 

In my book there are 2 engines when I look at Rangers. 4 cylinders for economy and DDing. 4.0 SOHCs for 4x4s and everything else. 3.0s aren't even in consideration.

 

I agree with what others have stated. with a 4x4 and a bigger engine opens more doors, and more oppertunities for you. With a 4x4 you can do more with your truck, which can make your life easier, you said you want to do a bit of towing as well. the 4.0 will definitely help with that.

I never had a 3.0 just the 4.0 and while at times I wish it had MORE power I am pretty happy with it.

But also, something to consider, you could get an F150 with the 4.6 v8 which is a much larger truck, way more roomy, weighs about the same, has 2 extra cylinders and gets the same mpg as a ranger. Its also generally prices comparatively.

 

i actually get better mileage with my 4.0 than my buddy that has a 3.slow ranger...they stopped offering the 3.0 for a reason

 

Like he said ^ they stopped offering the 3.0 for a reason. Ive owned both and the 4.0 is superior in every way, gas mileage for me was the same.

 

ok thanks guys thats really cool and gives me something to think about when i go to spend that insurance money :)

 

also what kind of gas mileage do you guys get with your 4.0's? I've looked online at their mileage and they are posted 15-19 and i was wondering if those were accurate numbers or if you get different from that.

 

yea. i seem to get 17ish in winter city driving. i can't wait for summer and non winter gas.

 

I think they are both good engines even though they get about the same mileage. I have driven both and really like both. I like that the 3.0 has more low end grunt whereas the 4.0 needs to get up in the rpms a bit more. I have only ever driven both with a manual 5spd though so I have no idea how they are with automatics.

 

lol at the 3.0 having "low end grunt" ha ha ha ha ha its a great motor but has nothing i would ever refer to as "grunt" anywhere in the RPM range. lol the 3.0 makes almost 60 less FT pounds of torque 500 RPM's higher in the RPM range than the 4.0 SOHC and 40 less than the 4.0 OHV at nearly 1000 RPM's higher in the RPM range.

 

You are definitely right about the 4.0 having more power at a lower rpm. I meant that when driving the 3.0 it feels like their is more torque at lower rpms (a shallower slope on a torque vs. rpm diagram than the 4.0). The 4.0 feels like it has very little torque at all at lower rpms compared to at around 3k when it makes its most power. I don't have a torque diagram though so I have no idea if what I think I feel is true. Let me know if you can find one cause I am kind of interested.

 

ok i get what youre saying now. ill see if i can find one.

 

Go 4.0 if you pull something....

 

I used to pull this with a 4.0. The truck never even noticed it. It weighs about 1400 pounds all loaded up.

 

If you plan on towing on a regular basis, go with the 4.0.