2nd gen 5.0 vs 4.0 witch is better built

[fordnut96]

I am going to sell my 93' ranger 4.0 and I am wanting a 2nd gen ex witch would have less problems? I know the 4.0 sohc's have the timing chain guide issues and trans issues I have not heard of any issues with the 5.0 awd's I know they have a better built trans and are the push rod 5.0's what is your guys input on both? and how well do the awd 5.0's do in snow vs the 4.0 4x4?

 

[ahodges]

I suggest the 5.0 Awd. It deffinatly has less problems and is every bit as good in the snow. They do get slightly less mpg but it's worth it!

 

[BubbaFL]

I've owned (and worked on) both.

I've never had a problem with the 5R55E transmission, BUT I've owned this truck since new, changed the fluid regularly, and it has an aux trans cooler.

The 4.0 SOHC engine is a piece of junk. More stupid engineering decisions in there than I can list. Avoid it, get the 5.0 instead.

 

[BrianDye]

5.0 all the way. Do a little searching around the site, and you'll realize 99.5% of members suggest the 5.0

Ive had 3 4.0's and honestly get better mileage in the 5.0

Its an all around better engine, and whole drivetrain.

 

[rabbit91]

you must go with the 5.0L!
i have got the same mileage with 160,000 miles on the engine as my dad did new with his SOHC
tranny is much stronger
AWD awesome in the snow


in my opinion it would be stupid to not go with an engine and tranny that have been used for decades...

 

[shadowless127]

I've owned 3 5.0's, it's really the only way to go.

 

[Cranmaro99]

5.0

 

[masospaghetti]

If you want an automatic, the 5.0 is definitely the way to go. I've had good luck with the durability of 4.0 OHV and 5-speed manual transmission though. Fuel economy with the 4.0/manual will be a few ticks better than the 5.0/auto.

I know the BW4405 transfer case on the V6's have some issues (case bore wear), I'm not sure if the case on the V8 suffers the same problems or not.

 

[rabbit91]

If you want an automatic, the 5.0 is definitely the way to go. I've had good luck with the durability of 4.0 OHV and 5-speed manual transmission though. Fuel economy with the 4.0/manual will be a few ticks better than the 5.0/auto.

I know the BW4405 transfer case on the V6's have some issues (case bore wear), I'm not sure if the case on the V8 suffers the same problems or not.

From what i understand the V8 Tcase is very reliable because it is strictly mechanical

 

[00meangreenXLT]

I'll chime in and say 5.0 all the way, mine has 181k on the original engine and transmission, still runs and shifts good

 

[shadowless127]

From what i understand the V8 Tcase is very reliable because it is strictly mechanical

96-97 are prone to more issues w/front driveshafts and transfer cases then 98 and later, but as long as you keep all 4 tires are relatively the same as far as tread left.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

5.0 For sure, I have had NO drive train, or engine problems.

 

[99SportX]

5.0 2WD or AWD 98-01.

The 4.0 SOHC is junk as far as I am concerned. There are too many parts in that engine (that can fail). I redid all the timing chain components in mine so it should be good for a while, although I won't cry the day it dies. It will be a great excuse to replace it with a 5.0.

I have nothing bad to say about the 4.0 OHV though since it is quite reliable. The downfall of both V6 engines is the auto trans. If taken care of it holds up pretty well though.

 

[jimwww]

5.0 auto or 4.0 OHV 5spd.

 

[ahodges]

The 4.0 OHV has some head gasket issues that are all too common. I should know, I had them blow out twice.

 

[jimwww]

I had not heard about that on the OHV engine.

 

[ahodges]

Yeah, some people never have a problem and others aren't so lucky. They don't take overheating well at all. Basically if it got up to 230 degrees even once, its toast. It's a strong engine other then that. I would also recomend running a real good synthetic in them because they have a tendensie to have a lack of oil delivered to the push rods and rockers. This causes premature cup wear on the rocker arms and push rod ends..

 

[Rdc#1958]

you must go with the 5.0L!
i have got the same mileage with 160,000 miles on the engine as my dad did new with his SOHC
tranny is much stronger
AWD awesome in the snow


in my opinion it would be stupid to not go with an engine and tranny that have been used for decades...

Yes, I bought my 2000 Mountaineer AWD last year mainly because it had the 5.0 over the others and so far its performed like a champ even though I don't need the AWD where I live though.

 

[410Fortune]

10 years later!!

Best possible combo, get 5.0 and ditch the awd, install 4406 t case and have 2wd, 4hi and 4 low
Now that is a real explorer, unleash the beast!!

The awd chews up front tires, wheel bearings, passing power and fuel

The 5.0 is a full roller v8 with pushrods, uses a 1/2 ton 3/4 ton truck transmission
The 4.0 uses a 5 speed transmission that originated from the c3 auto in the pinto