4.2l V6
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
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4.2l V6
I am looking at purchasing the 4.2 V6 w/ 3.55 axle I was wondering about the engines ability to tow. I am towing a 6x10 enclosed trailer, [1000#] and about 2,000# in bikes and gear, etc. Would this truck pull the trailer with any problems? I currently Have a 98 ranger xlt 3.0 V6 standard and towing with the ranger is a struggle.
Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 65
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From: san diego, ca
Hey there-
Well, I've driven the 4.2 and 4.6 extensively, and I'd have to say that I'd stick with the 4.6 V8 only. Keep in mind that it is on a few hundred dollars as an option and that the fuel milage difference, especially when towing, is negligible- although some people complain, the 4.6l really is quite efficient at 70-80 MPH steady.
I've gotten 18-19 MPG, and that's great for 5000LBS on a V8. You really won't see that much more on the 4.2l.
I've got friends that tow with the 4.2l, and they really fight up hills, constantly downshifting. Also, that six really groans under load, and the exhaust sounds, well, like a six.
Lastly, should you ever want to do mods, there are less aftermarket products for the V-6, and with the backpressure sensor that the 4.2l's have, you need to be very careful about what type of exhaust you put on.
Just remember, it's already a heavy truck, and even the 4.6l will struggle from time to time towing. Weigh
all your options! Good luck...
Well, I've driven the 4.2 and 4.6 extensively, and I'd have to say that I'd stick with the 4.6 V8 only. Keep in mind that it is on a few hundred dollars as an option and that the fuel milage difference, especially when towing, is negligible- although some people complain, the 4.6l really is quite efficient at 70-80 MPH steady.
I've gotten 18-19 MPG, and that's great for 5000LBS on a V8. You really won't see that much more on the 4.2l.
I've got friends that tow with the 4.2l, and they really fight up hills, constantly downshifting. Also, that six really groans under load, and the exhaust sounds, well, like a six.
Lastly, should you ever want to do mods, there are less aftermarket products for the V-6, and with the backpressure sensor that the 4.2l's have, you need to be very careful about what type of exhaust you put on.
Just remember, it's already a heavy truck, and even the 4.6l will struggle from time to time towing. Weigh
all your options! Good luck...
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 433
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From: Nicholasville, Ky
I too have 4.2 W/5speed, and i tow a 6-10 enclosed trailer w/1 to 2 bikes, my trailer is 700lb, and bikes are 525lb for one & both bike are about 1100lb, then I have gear, weight is unknown. Anyway, I go to Deals Gap alot in Tenn/N.C. area, heading there today after work for the week from Lexington, Ky. My truck HATES the Tenn. hills 4th gear for all big hills darn near floored. Plus I got stop on hill from hell and smoked the clutch. Had to unload the trailer to get going again 
. Once my lease is up in 2003, I'm buying a V8 auto, the smaller V8 is not much better then standard shift V6, so I'll be getting the bigger V8 W/auto. I hope this helps you. Been there... done that...but not after this V6 standard, I'm going big V8 W/auto.
. Once my lease is up in 2003, I'm buying a V8 auto, the smaller V8 is not much better then standard shift V6, so I'll be getting the bigger V8 W/auto. I hope this helps you. Been there... done that...but not after this V6 standard, I'm going big V8 W/auto.