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.

 

Daniel,
You've gotta know that we'll all (or at least most of us on this board) will recommend an F150. As far as engines/models, the 4.2 v6 came out in '97 just like the 4.6 and 5.4 v8's. Before that, in the old body style, you had the 4.9 i6 and the 5.0 and 5.8 v8's. You could probably find a '97 regular cab longbed 4.2 or even a 4.6 fairly cheap, especially if you were willing to go with a 5-speed manual. From what I read, a 4.2 gets pretty decent mileage for a full-size truck/motor. Hope I've helped some. Good luck!

 

The 4.2 F150 does NOT get ANY better mileage than my 5.4 Expedition! PERIOD!

Secondly, think about this:

Buying a low model Toyota Camry has a better re-sale value than buying a top-o-the-line Toyota Corolla!

In other words, I would think that buying a nicely equiped Ranger is not a good as buying a low equiped F150! The F150 market has ALWAYS been HOT! It will keep its value MUCH better over time! Not to mention that the low model F150 will out perform the high-end 4.0 Ranger in towing and carrying capacity. The F150 will also take more punishment! Its built with much bigger and heavier components!

Definately go with the F150. Besides, its probably cheaper!


Retail on a 1997 F150 LB 4.2 (50K) STRIPPED is about $10,000 in my area.

Retail on a LOADED 1997 Ranger LB 4.0 (50K) is about $11,500.

You make the call!

 

I'd go for the 4.6L V8. It's a nice smooth running engine plus it will have some power when you need it.

 

I have a 99 4.2L 5spd with 32k miles. I paid $11,500 for it with 26k miles and have logged 17.5-19.8 mpg. I find that it has all the power I need. It will easily out accelerate my Ford Taurus and I have never had the cruise kick out even in the most hilly area. Given this, I don't think it would have any problem towing an average bass boat. Taking the mileage, cost, and performance into consideration--I don't know how you can go wrong with the 4.2L. By the way, it is govenored at 100mph, but is nowhere near out of steam at that speed. For the average household truck user, the 4.2 is all you will ever really need and you get the double benefit of a lower price on the front end and better gas mileage on the back end.

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glnagrom

 

I had a 92 Ranger XLT extended cab, 4.0L, 5speed. Carried a lot of stuff in the bed. Got about 24 mpg hiway/20 mpg mixed. Only towed a couple of times with it, wasn't the best setup with a stick. Plus the truck felt like it was working hard when towing, but felt ok if just carrying stuff in the bed. Had a 98 F150 STX shortbed, 4.2L, 4sp. auto. Towed a small trailer, could feel lack of power on hills, but locking out OD helped. that was with 3.55 rear axle. Later changed to a 4.10 axle, never felt like it was pulling anything! The effie was more stable on the hiway when towing. Got about 13mpg city/17 hiway. Mileage didn't change much after swapping gears, but the truck felt awesome. There is marginal difference in mileage between all motors (currently driving a 2K Lightning, getting 12 city/15 hiway). If you won't be towing go for personal preference. If you're towing, F150 is a better choice. Whatever you buy, get an automatic transmission if you plan to tow!

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Ed
White'00 #2006