1990 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD 4.0
Summary:
Poor quality V6 engines
Faults:
I have 80% rebuilt this truck and see a lot of things that I do not like about these trucks.
1. The 4.0 V6 is not a well made engine, the block has a thin casting, and is bored to the max, the heads have many weak points, top-end engine noise, and a very poor engine balance.
2. The AL4D transmission is total junk, the 4.0 V6 engine will destroy this transmission.
3. The brakes could be a little bigger, the 9" drums in the rear and small rotors in the front are cutting it close.
Things that I do like:
1. The 8.8 rear-end
2. Leaf springs over the rear-end housing
3. The twin I-beam suspension
4. The body is fairly stout
5. Never had any electrical problems
6. Simple very effective A/C, works great
General Comments:
I think Ford could have used a better designed V6 engine, and the AL4D transmission should have "NEVER" been used in a truck.
I do like the front suspension, and 8.8 rear-end, very strong.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 25th January, 2009
27th Mar 2010, 02:54
A motor that is 18 years old must not be that bad... Only once have I seen a Toyota small truck that old on the road. My 2001 Chevy 2500HD is only 8 years old, and I don't see it going another 10 years without some attention to rust and electrical problems.