Hey guys, first time posting here, I am about to purchase a 2004 ranger, with a 4.0 ( I don't know if its sohc, or ohv yet) 2 wheel drive. I honestly don't know if its 5sp or auto I have to examine it tomorrow the owner pasted away and the wife is selling it and doesn't know too much about it

I was curious if they had any common problems? I know I have done 2 fuel pumps in 2 of my friends rangers and ironically they were both 2002s.. Don't know if there is fuel pump issues but I thought that was weird having to replace their pumps with under 75k on the odometer..

My biggest concern is spark plugs? I know 4.6 and 5.4 3v motors have plugs where they get stuck in the head and when u remove them they Snape off and it's super expensive to fix... Just curious if the 4.0 uses the same plugs? I did a search at advance and it doesn't show the scary plugs it shows normal ones, but I rather check with ur ranger gurus before I seal the deal

Is there anything I should look for? She did say she "thinks" it has a oil leak? I have no idea yet because I have to go check it out still

Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Danny

 

No spark plug issues and it will have a 4.0 SOHC. they stopped making the OHV in 2000.5. mainly just check for rust since you're in MA. I live here too but my truck is undercoated and has 0 rust on the frame or body

 

thansk for the reply, the owner was a older man, and he didnt drive it in the winter he used his 4x4

glad to know there isnt spark plug issues!

are the heads aluminum or steel? i did a few back searchs and saw a walkthrew on how to do a tune up, plugs fuel filter ect... it looks like its steal heads? maybe because the engine bay is full of mud...?

 

i believe they're aluminum.

 

Good year I have owned 2 of them lol. No problems with either of them.

 

Thanks heading there as we speak to check her out! Fingers crossed!!

 

You should be good with an 04, timing chain issues were more prevalent in the '01-'02.5 SOHC motors

 

what would happen to them?

 

Timing chain guides would break

 

Yep ford thought plastic was a great idea.

 

Well guys just came back from checking out the truck, it is a auto, it's pretty solid the old man who owned it didn't drive it in the snow being a 2wd truck and used his big 4x4 Chevys during the winter

Only problem is it has a major oil leak...

I check out the oil filter and was able to tighten in 3/4 of a turn it was super loose BUT the bell housing and tranny pan and pass cat was covered in oil..

I tightened the drain plug ( it was snug) and sprayed brake clean all over and rubbed it down with clothes

Took it for a drive and when I came back u could still clearing see oil running down the front of the inspection pan of the bell housing....

I'm guessing its the rear main seal...

Everything on the top of the motor is dry in factor u would know it had a leak without looking underneath

What do u guys think I should offer? I don't even know if I should go ahead and try and buy this, my friend does trannys for a living and said he'd pull it for me so I can change the rear main, but afraid if that's not it what else could it be..


What do u think I should offer? Small dent in the bumper and small dent in the fender above the rear light, 4.0 automatic, 62,000 miles, extend cab....

Think I should walk away?

 

Don't mind my spelling I'm on my damn phone... Horrible