[DMCForum] [OT] Ranger engine not made by Mazda

[Jon Heese <heese@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 2004-01-12 at 18:48, DMCForum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
>   Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 17:44:51 -0600
>   From: Farrar Hudkins <fhudkins@xxxxxxx>
>Subject: attn Bill R: Farrar's Ranger [Off Topic]
>
>Bill:
>
>Everything I can tell you about my truck without looking at it: My 
>Ranger is a 1998, rear-wheel-drive, 3.0L V6, automatic (4 or 5-speed I 
>can't recall), 111.5" wheelbase, 145hp@5000rpm, 178ft/lbs@3750rpm.
>
>I found some specs for the 1995 Ranger on the Internet. Thanks to this,
>
>I know the 2.5L I4 Rangers before 1998 had a towing capacity of
2000lbs.
>
>Therefore, I'm not sure about mine: 1998 had a bunch of redesigns, 
>including the front-third of the frame having fully-boxed side frame 
>rails. This no doubt increased the weight. They also stole the 
>rack-and-pinion from the Explorer.
>
>It's difficult to find specs for the 1998 Ranger on the Internet
because 
>it appears that every reviewer was given the most ridiculously priced 
>one: SuperCab, 4x4, 4.0L V6, standard. Mine is none of these things.
LOL
>
>> Did you buy a little silver car without telling anyone?
>
>No, I didn't. I'm just planning ahead. If I'm saving up for a DeLorean,
>I have to include price for transportation in the final estimate. But 
>I'd rather have something close so I can go with a friend, and then if 
>the thing breaks down on the back we can both hop into the truck and
tow 
>it back. But of course I could always rent an F350. LOL
>
>> Don't know much about Rangers. Somebody once told me they use a Mazda
>> engine of some ilk (have heard access for maintenance is a
nightmare).
>> You really should consider a full size, for the bed if nothing else.
>
>They do use a Mazda engine. My particular truck is the twin of a Mazda 
>B3000. (Mazda numbers them by engine capacity: B2500, B3000, B4000.) 
>According to a review of the Mazda B-series trucks, the towing capacity
>
>is "between 4,800 and 5,900 pounds ... depending on the powetrain 
>selected". I seriously doubt that my little 2-wheel-drive Ranger could 
>pull that much, so Mazda must be doing something different.
>
>> Aren't most pickup trucks at least Class II? The bumper bolts
>directly
>> to the frame! If so, I'm sure you'll be OK, especially if your Ranger
>> is straight drive. I've seen baby trucks pulling trailers on I-95.
The
>> weight limit you're most familiar with (1/2 ton for example) is for
>> the rear axle. Check to see what the GTW is.  
>
>>I'll have to look and see if it is bolted to the frame. I think it's 
Class II but I wouldn't like to be quoted on this.
>
>Or anything, for that matter.
>
>GTW = Gross tongue Weight? If so, I'll look that up when I leave work.
>;P
>
>Farrar

Farrar:

Actually, the only 3.0L engine that has come in the Ranger (and the
Mazda B3000) is the same 3.0L engine that came in the Aerostar and the
Taurus (excluding 96-04 Tauruses which have the optional 3.0L 24V
Duratec motor).  It's actually made by Ford, not Mazda, with a block by
Sherwood Metal Products and intakes made at the Essex Casting Plant (the
namesake of the 3.8L V6 they cast and which was offered in 92-95 model
year Tauruses).  The company's model name for the engine is the Vulcan
and it's a 12-valve single overhead cam design.  It's been offered in
the Taurus and the Aerostar since 1986 (day one for the Taurus).  It
replaced the 2.9L engine that was previously offered in the Ranger in
1993.  Your 98 could have either the 4-speed or 5-speed automatic
tranny.  For more on of the history of the Ranger, check out
http://therangerstation.com/RangerHistory.htm

For a little more on the Vulcan, check out
http://rogueperformance.com/vulcanFAQ.html

 - Jon Heese
'95 Taurus GL

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