What are the common issues with 01 4x4 rangers? truck im looking at tomorrow had motor replaced 40k ago by dealer (owner has paperwork)...remanufactured by dealer he said. 4.0l v6. original paint etc.... what do i need to be looking at besides the rear shackles? He said it was undercoated as well. bunch of stuff replaced so it looks like it might be a good deal. when dealer does engine swap does the dash odometer get changed or does it stay with the original truck. How can i tell if motor is right for tranny? please ill take any help i can get. going with cash in hand tomorrow! asking price is 3500. he says it has 201k on truck but no rust.
Thanks

 

2001 to 2003/4 4.0l V6 Rangers had timing chain issues, not 100% failure just a known issue, and engine needed to be pulled out to repair it.

1990-2000 Rangers used 4.0l OHV engine, 160HP
2001-2012 Rangers used the 4.0l SOHC engine, 205HP

Start engine and listen for a rattling sound, at startup and around 3,000rpm, thats the timing chain noise you do NOT want to hear.
This engine would have gotten the newer design tensioners so won't have that issue again, well very unlikely to have the problem, 2004 to 2012 4.0ls were fine

Odometer is for the vehicle, not engine, or trans for that matter, its actually illegal to change it for any reason, "rollback" is what scammers do to sell a vehicle for more money, it is a Felony charge if caught
So they wouldn't have changed Odometer when they rebuilt the engine


Only the 5R55E automatic transmission will work, with 4.0l SOHC, if it works its the right transmission.
At 200k miles trans may need some work, all automatics usually need work around 200k.
Regular service and a SECOND TRANS COOLER will help them last longer, thats for a car or a truck, heat is what wears out automatics.
Automatics will be slow to engage Reverse, it requires highest pressure, and can slip when shifting gears, as they start to wear out.
Automatics have several sets of Clutches and Brakes(bands) inside that wear out just like manual trans clutch wears out or brake pads for the wheels, difference is they can be kept cool, so made to last longer

Ranger manual transmissions were bullet proof, 1988 to 2012, M5OD-R1, really have to abuse it to have a problem

Salted roads = rust so have a good look, Rangers were no worse or better than any other vehicle for rust