1990 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD review from North America
"Poor quality V6 engines"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
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| 1989 - Ranger STX SuperCab 2.9 liter V6 The Ranger is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1990 |
| Year of manufacture | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 1 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 1 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 134000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 137000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Tacoma |
| Date of Entry | 25th January, 2009 |