I posted a similar question on a different forum but I thought that I would ask the same here since this forum seems more active.
I had an o4 ranger 4x4 manual trans I think it was an edge had the tow package 4.0 engine which I am very sure was just starting tio get the timing chain rattle. well two weeks ago I was rear-ended and my truck was written off so now I am debating of buying another ranger this one is 08 supercab xlt 126 looks allot my my old 04 but its grey or an f150 but I am not sure. anyway I cant afford major coin so I am more leaning to what I know but what should I be looking for in the 08 ranger does it also have the chain issue and any other common things I should be looking for?

 

The 4.0l SOHC engines used in Rangers, Mazdas, Explorers and Mustangs all need to have 2 timing chain tensioners changed every 100k miles to avoid issues, about a 30-60min job
Just part of general maintenance, like automatic transmission service

The 1997-2003 had the older design tensioners which failed early, redesigned units should have been in your 2004, but engines are assembled in a different plant and shipped to Assembly plants, so you could have ended up with an engine built in 2002/3, that had the older design tensioners in it

So if the 2008 has the 4.0l SOHC and OVER 100k miles then it should have the tensioners changed
Once you "hear" the rattle the damage is done, a chain guide is broken, so usually engine needs to be pulled out to change all the guides

As for F-150's best to check on those forums
The 4.2l V6 was a reliable engine
The V8 tritons had spark plug issues, so best to have a dealer or shop change them, every 100k miles, lol

 

with the f150 what about the automatic trans or any other issues with them thinking maybe go for a f150 4x4 not sure of what to look for in them the prices between the ranger and the f150 are very close

 

Yes usually alot more F-150 for sale than Rangers so keeps the prices down on F-150s, but more to choose from, lol

An automatic is an automatic, the days of the "known issues" are long past, only known issue is that it IS an automatic..............manuals are just more reliable
Service it and hope for the best

 

ya I agree I never cared for automatics and unfortunately finding an f150 manual is very hard unless I look at a 97 f150 which is a little old

 

Yes, manuals became the "non-standard" transmission in the late 1990's early 2000's so they were an "option" you had to pay extra for
Now they are often not even an option
Like Henry Ford said, you can have an transmission you want as long as its an automatic, para-phrased, lol