I currently have a 1994 Ranger 2.3L, I want to get a long bed and bigger engine to haul my dirt bike. Was considering newer Ranger with 4.0L and long bed or F150 LB. Heard the 4.0L has marbling problem and low gas
mileage. Should I just get a F150 with a 4.2L V6 or 4.6L V8? I like 1995/1996 or should I go 1997 or better? Won't be towing.

 

To bad your are worried about the gas mileage,caus I have a 95 ext cab 4x4 orp with a 351 and it kicks a--!good luck and be sure you get what you want.

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95 f150 ext cab 4x4
160,000+ miles 351
straight pipes (still not loud enough)
splitfire plugs
performance wires
31x10.50x15 grabbers
rough country shocks
tinted windows
ranch hand bumper
custom front bumper
100w offroad lights
crome rails
autovox alarm

k&n kit coming
nerf coming
headers,pipes coming

 

I had a 2.3L 5 speed in a Ranger. It sucked! Had 4.0L in an Explorer 4X4 and in my wifes current Aerostar Eddie Bauer 4X4. I don't know what you mean by "marbling" so I don't know if I've got it. But if it means a good strong engine, with lots of power throughout the band, then I do have it. The 4.0L is a little hard on gas when it gets leaned on but not when you drive it nice. In my opinion the 4.0L is a good engine. My preference, however, would be the 92-96 F150 with the 5.0L because you can probably pick up a real clean one for a good price and it will take you wherever you need to get whenever you need to get there with whatever it is you have to take with you.

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1992 F150 Supercab SB 4x4 Manual Hubs 302 AOD Ford 8.8 Dana 44 3.55 31x10.5 Ford 15x8 Steel 8 Slot Ralleys Custom Box Liner

 

Daniel. I now own a Ranger w/4.0 and its a great truck! Picked it up for $9500 w/28000 miles on it. I heard from other topics from other sites about the marbleing noise. I read that its caused by carbon build up. I don't know if thats bs but i don't have the marbleing problem. If your happy w/the size of your Ranger get another one w/4.0. I wanna get rid of mine cause its too small of a cab. Guess i shoulda bought a ext. cab. The mpg does suck on mine but thats cause i like to give those 3.8 Camaros a run for their money at red lights.