Hey 4-bangers! I have questions.
 

Hello. This is my first visit to the 4-banger forum as I have an 02 Ranger FX4 4X4 with a 4.0 SOHC with auto tranny. It's been an Ok truck, really has not lived up to what I hoped it would be. Mostly in the MPG department. Almost forgot, had to replace rear driveshaft and axle right after I bought it. Kinda puts a bad taste in ones mouth.

Anyway.....with my short daily trips to work I get crappy mileage. In the winter 10-12 and 13-16 in summer. I best was 19.5 on a long trip, but that was the only time that happended.

So my Ranger gets half-ton truck mileage. I know my driving style has alot to do with it, short trips plus cold temps kill mileage. Ok...now to my point! Thinking about getting a 2.3L 5-speed Ranger. Not sure about 2 or 4WD. I have never owned a 2WD truck, I don't off-road any. Iowa's ice and snow almost requires 4WD though some will disagree.

Just looking for some feedback, MPG reports and any other info like what year(s) of Rangers to look for. I'm thinking 95 and newer. I owned a 97 4.0 years ago, drove it 130K, was the best truck.

My plan....sell my 02, buy a 4-banger, and a Mustang and play with. Thanks in advance. Adam

i get around 21ish most anywhere, long highway trips closer to 25

depends how i keep my foot...anywhere from 20-27...that was with 3.73s wont know till monday or tuesday when i get my 4.10s with stock size tires...

4x4 4bangers weren't offered after 97 if i remember correctly. And thats the lima 2.3, good engine, with regular upkeep and repairs, they will last 200,000 or more.


Scottg

I get about 26-27 with about 80% being interstate driving (65-70 mph)

I have the 2.5 with a 5 speed. 3.73 rear end.

if you decide on a 4 cyl truck, make sure it's an XLT as it will have more sound insulation, otherwise I couldn't be happier with mine

Two 4-banger engines? 2.3L and 2.5L? Anyone know specs on them? Thanks again.

the older 2.3 and 2.5's are great engines as long as maintained properly and will last forever but slow as dirt.

The new 24 valve duratech 2.3 has more hp then those and greater gas milage.

I have an 07 with a 2.3 and 5 speed and during the summer I average about 28-29 city driving and have gotten up to 35 on the highway. With it being winter now and the stuff they put in the gas my milage has gone down to 23-25 but still thats nothing to complain about. Truck is a blast to drive to and has plenty of power for a 4 banger compared to the older 4 bangers.

I'll agree with you on the MPG dissappointment, I see a steady 14.5 MPG outta my 02 FX4. I don't care for the 4 poppers much, 2 of my buddy's have them, they're decent, but the don't come close to the 4.0L. If I was you I'd look for the 2.5L, but thats my opinion.

So far my 00' 2.5 2wd with the 5 speed is getting on average of 21-23 at best. I was thinking I would get closer to 30, but bought it in October and I know when its colder you will get worse mileage. So I guess I will have to wait til spring to give it a fair shake. Otherwise I don't have cruise, it is an XLT, has 235/75-15 BFG's one size bigger than the factory rubber, 3.73 open rear end, and when I got it I put in new plugs and air filter. Hoping that when it warms up I will change all the rest of the fluids and Fuel filter to try and bump MPG's.

I know that if I wanted high MPG's I would have bought a tiny rollerskate car. So for a truck that I can still pull a sled trailer with and haul what ever I need to haul I can't really complain! Just trying to give as much info here to the OP to help try and figure things out, they are great trucks and I don't regret my purchase one bit.

2.3 has more hp than the 2.5 why would he want to aim for less hp?

mostly i get over 20mpg.. and as others have said.. the 2.3 lima is not going to win any grand prix's ...but it's good enough to haul upto the rated capacity of the truck :smile:

my 2.5 is getting 26-28

When did the Duratech 2.3L come out?

Mid 2001 they switched over from the 2.5 to the 2.3

thats about the same with mine.

Figures...the 01 I'm looking at has the 2.5L. Very low miles, 45K and with a 5-speed. Nice looking little truck. I was kinda leaning toward the newer 2.3L. Big diff. between the two or not? Thanks.

hp wise its got a little more and its a 24valve engine. I definitely love mine and it gets great mas milage.

the lima is a very good motor jus has no power...mine sucked on low end grunt til i got my 8.8 with 4.10s and ls...and i must admit...it shocked me what gears will do

I have been very well pleased with my 2.3 Duratech. 123hp (factory rated), good tourqe for cruising, but wind it up above 3500rpm and watch out! It just tranforms and almost makes you forget that you're averaging around 28mpg! With the reg cab and 5 speed in my '05, I have been able to keep up with the GT 4.6l mustangs!

the hp is 143 from the factory not 123

I have been averaging about 21mpg in my 99 2.5L. I only drive it back and forth to work which is about 5 miles. You can see what other people are getting at this website: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG....20Pickup%202WD

I keep track of what mileage I am getting at this website.

I get about 20mpg give or take..

Personally, I'd sacrifice a few mpg's to move up to a v6 vs. a 4 banger...

I get about 21 mpg average with my 2.5L