Originally Posted by fifthranger

Definitely change the tranny fluid, but that doesn't sound like exactly the problem. As my screen name states, I am on my fifth ranger. My last two had a thump present when driving at lower speeds. I also had a slight loss in power when I tried accelerating it just didn't want to go. The first time I noticed it was in my 02' Ranger 3.0 liter V6. Then, I noticed it again in my 04' 4*4. My current Ranger is an 08' 3.0 V6. I haven't noticed anything. From other posts, I gathered that it was possibly a fuel pressure problem. I noticed by keeping the tank over half full and using quality 87 octane -- not the cheapo places, but name brand (I prefer Shell) it nearly eliminated the problem. Also, others were complaining about the 02's in particular that a recall existed on the drive shaft needing to be relubed. I'm not sure what other years were involved. But, definitely change the tranny fluid. It may look fine, but be at the end of its life. Especially if it smells burnt. Make sure they put in the proper kind. Mercon is the standard, but there is different types for different vehicles. I think my 02 and 04 took Mercon 4, but my 08' takes the new Mercon 5. Hope this helps.