Driving up the mountain this morning n my 94 Ranger n started losing power on the incline. Engine died out n steam was billowing from the front left if you’re looking at it from in front of the truck, by the coolant reservoir. Also noticed transmission fluid on the right side of the engine n blew over the fender on the far side of the transmission. Hoping I blew a hose but not sure about either issue really. Had a rattle yesterday when accelerating uphill. Transmission fluid level was good before I drove as well as the engine oil level. Not sure what to do or how to diagnose. Thanks in advance!

129,xxx miles. Drove it about 60 miles since I bought it last week. 4.0 OHV 4x4 94 Ranger.

 

Welcome to the forum

Seller most likely put some Head Gasket Fix in the radiator, and it blew out

Regardless of that, if a 4.0l OHV(1990-2000) is overheated it will crack a head so you are looking at pulling the heads and having them tested

What was the temp gauge doing?
Rattling may have been pinging from overheating

If you are not well versed in mechanics yet then changing the heads will be a good learning experience, all wrench work, no special knowledge

You can do the Free Glove Test
Or do a Block test
To see if head is cracked or head gasket is blown, either requires pulling off both heads

Read here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/2-9l-3...uation-168918/

 

Update. The “transmission fluid” was just power steering fluid that overflowed due to being overfilled by the previous owner. Replaced thermostat n didn’t fix overheating issue. Engine has bad rod knock around 60-65 mph. Looking for a used motor with a warranty for the knock most likely, rebuild seems rather tedious. As for overheating gonna get radiator flow tested to see if that helps.