Hi Guys, I just helped my son-inlaw buy a 1999 Ford Ranger Ex-Cab. It's got a 4.0L V6. The truck is in excellent condition with a 84K mile 4.0L V6 that runs well, but, it gets terrible gas mileage. Is there something to be done about it with fixes to the 4.0L motor or would it be better to swap in a 4 cylinder motor? If 4 cylinder motor, can you recommend things I need to watch out for?

 

The best thing is to get a 4 cyl economy car. It's a truck and generally, trucks aren't known for their fuel economy.

That low of miles for such an old truck, I'd be somewhat worried about just old components from little to no use. This includes a complete fluid flush and tune up with new properly gapped plugs and wires. Fuel filter many neglect...so that's a mandatory item. Pick up a can of CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor cleaner and clean that guy up too. Slap in a new air filter.

All the above will for sure help the fuel consumption and likely driveability will even improve.

Swapping to a 4cyl? Skip it. Sell the truck and get a 4cyl. It's too much work with no gain for money and hassle you'd be out.