I was out on some loose sand this weekend and my ranger failed me! (first time using 4x4 on this truck) Its a 00 v-6 standard 4x4, well i was driving through the loose sand and my truck just started to slow down and that was the end of it, i WASNT bogged down in the sand, not really stuck > the ranger just didnt produce the power need to spin the tires. Then it started to smoke. :
REally disappointed with this ranger, regret trading in my F-150 for it, my f-150 was a monster in the mud and sand!
Any suggestions on what could be wrong or is this normal of a ranger?

Missing my 150

 

clean out the air filter.

 

Could be numerous things... I'm guessing you got the truck used?

 

could be a head, manifold gasket leak does exhaust smell like coolant?

 

afterall, it is the infamous 3.0L......somebody had to say it

 

go ***** at the person you bought it from

 

I forgot to mention, now every time i start up the truck there is some rattling sound that last a few seconds.

 

um... check all the belts and pulleys connected, a pulley may be loose, possibly the fan clutch....

 

THe sounds not coming from the belt area, its more towards the bottom of the engine maybe transmission area. It only does it for about 5 seconds right after start up and then goes away

 

check trans fluid and oil. is it a stick?

 

yeah its standard