First time poster here. Looking at buying a low mileage, late model Ranger. Truck will be 4wd 4.0 model but cannot decide whether auto or manual. The automatic would be handier if the wife had to drive but she can relearn a stick since she drove one several years ago.

Any flies on the automatics used in these trucks?

Only pulling would be a boat that weighs shy of a ton and probably more like 1500#.

Possible upgrade to a 31-32" tire if gear ratio is low enough.

Thanks for any advice.

 

Welcome to the forum

No real issues with the 5R55E transmissions, like any automatic heat is what shortens their lives so a 2nd trans cooler is a must.
Check fluid for dark color or burned smell.
Heads up if fluid is new, this could just be good maintenance OR seller is trying to hide a problem.

Automatics are better for towing than manuals

2005 and up 4.0l SOHC engines had the newer timing chains so should be fine in 2010, but listen for rattles at start up.