Hello out there. I just joined this forum because I have a Ranger. Mine is a 2000 XLT with a 4.0 OHV with all the bells and whistles. It just turned 140,000 and still runs great. I'm the 2nd owner and have put 95,000 without to many problems. Brakes, front wheel bearings and a new intake manifold gasket are about the only problems I've had - till now. Two days ago while changing the oil, I had oil drops dripping off the filter. After finishing the oil change ( Raised on Mobil 1 ) I degreased the underside and the front of the motor to try and find the leak. Today I checked the motor again and the same problem showed up. I though it might be the O ring on the oil filter adaptor but after cleaning the motor again, I found the leak the front motor cover by the lower radiator hose. I looked at the repair book and it says I need to drop the oil pan to replace the cover gasket. This seems like a real PITA for this type of repair so i would like to hear back from any one who had done this repair on the 4.0 OHV motor
and any "tricks" on this repair. Great site, hope to gain and share the knowledge here.

 

Welcome to R-F!

 

Welcome to RF!