Sorry for the long post first. Im building a 93 ranger extended for my son. Just replaced the engine with a fresher one as the old one in it was locked up. Its a 2.3 liter with a 3.73 single leg rear. It runs and pulls typical of that setup. He may tow a 16 foot bass boat occasionally and I feel like the explorer 4.10 would be a better match for his needs.
My friend owns a metal salvage place and he took in a 2000 ranger that was rather odd. It was badged 4x4 but upon looking closer it was a 2 wheel drive. Checked out unnderside and he had an auto 4whl drive trans but no front driveshaft or front axle for 4whl. Rear was definitely an 8.8 Explorer rear and had the shock mounts rewelded and high dollars shocks. Ubolts were missing. Kind of just hanging there. Popped cover off and stamp on ring gear says 4.10. SCORE! Then it occured to me that maybe an axle may be bent or other wrong with it. The reason I thought that is I cant understand why someone would go thru all the trouble to find and install that rear and send it off for scrap prices...and then take the Ubolts only...Strange. Bought it for scrap price..45 bucks...ad got it home. Its on jackstands...dirty a hell. Put runout gauge on flanges and rotated and it looks straight. Cant see any axle wobble. However I do here a clicking noise as you turn yoke. Not sure if its supposed to be that way or not? Not grinding or anything but my only experience is with GM 10 bolts which are usually quiet. Dont want to install unless its good. Is the sound normal?

 

What type of carrier is in it? Is it open or limited slip?

 

Ita a limited slip

 

I'm not real familiar with boats, but I don't think the Ranger is a good choice for a boat of that size.... Might want to give the towing rating a look. Not just for a safety issue, but a legal standpoint too.

If you're involved in a wreck, and you're pulling more weight than what you're allowed to, (regardless of who's fault it was) your son could be left stranded with the bill for the repairs, if it wasn't totaled out. From what I hear, starting the load isn't the hard part. It's stopping the load. Even with performance brakes and tires, the Ranger only weighs so much.

Even so, the 4 cylinder is a poor choice for this application anyway. Not trying to be a douche nozzle here so I'm sorry if I come off that way, but the 4 cylinder was Ford's answer to those who still wanted a small truck that still obtained good MPGs. The 3.0 isn't much better, as it has a reputation for being rather gutless, too. Not to mention the transmission....

As much as I love the Ranger, it has it's limits. An F150 or greater would most likely be more appropriate.... I'd strongly recommend doing a little legwork on the Ranger's towing capacity and all that before spending more time and money on the truck.

 

I wouldnt think that size boat an issue. I also have a 96 2.3l ranger and have towed a heavy
stump grinder daily as its a designated company work truck. Its does ok. Not fast but its cheap truck and works. More concerned about the question of gear noise