1998 Ranger 4.0 auto 4x4 103k miles

Intermittent misfire on #4 cylinder. Replaced plug but misfire started again after awhile. Took to garage for compression check, low on #4 cyl. Was told it could be bad head gasket or cracked head. Any suggestions on my next move?

...With as little information as you gave us we must assume your diagnosis is correct and you won't get many replies..

...I would have swapped the plug and wire for #5 for example and watched to see if the misfire moved..Then i would think it might be the injector...

..As for the compression test, we would need the readings for all cylinders to know if it was actually low or not..There may be additional test to find out if it's a head gasket but usually that adds more cost...

I am surprised they didnt suggest anything else....

What do your oil and anti freeze look like and are you burning or loosing fluid levels? Funny exhausts smell? Did you overheat the vehicle?